Medicinal Plants in Manipur PDF

National Workshop on
Sustainable Development of
Medicinal Plants Sector
in North Eastern India
during
the 16 -17 February, 2015
at
Jubilee Hall, RIMS, Lamphelpat, Imphal
Organized by
in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board,

Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
Sustainable Development of
Medicinal Plants Sector in North Eastern India
at Imphal, Manipur
during 16-17 February, 2015
Date: 16-17, February, 2015
Venue: Jubilee Hall, RIMS, Imphal
Chief Patron:
Th. Debendra Singh, Honble Minister
Revenue/Forest & environment/

Law and legislative Affairs,
Government of Manipur
Patron:
Shri. Nikhilesh Jha, Addl. Chief Secretary,
Forest & Environment, Government of Manipur
Shri. Bala Prasad
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force,

Government of Manipur
WORKSHOP ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:

1. Shri.Bala Prasad, PCCF, Manipur
2. Shri. P.N. Prasad, APCCF, Wildlife, Manipur
3. Shri.K.Angami, APCCF, FDA & Cons., Manipur
4. Shri.N.Kipgen, APCCF, WP & Research, Manipur
5. Shri.K.Premkumar Singh, CCF, TP-I, Manipur
6. Shri.S.Dhananjoy Singh, CCF, Admin. & Pln., Manipur
7. Shri.D.K.Vinod Kumar, DCF (Admn. & Plg.), Manipur
8. Shri.Th.Mohendra Pratap Singh, CF, Central Circle, Manipur
1. Shri.Th.Mohendra Pratap Singh

2. Smt.Soreiphy Vashum, CF, Eastern Circle
3. Shri.A.Bonbirdhwaja Singh, DFO, Soil
4. Shri.Arun.R.S, Director, Manipur Zoo
5. Shri.L.Manglem Singh, DFO, Ukhrul
6. Shri.Th.Bimolchandra Singh, DFO, (SF-III)
7. Shri.T.Sheilem Haokip, DFO, North
8. Smt.Ajeeta Longjam, IFS (Prob)
9. Shri.L.Joykumar Singh, DCF, Park & Sanctuary
: Chairman
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member Secretary
ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION SUB-COMMITTEE:

1. Shri.K.Angami, APCCF, FDA & Cons.
2. Shri.Kh.Shyam Singh, CF, North
3. Shri.K.S.Tawmbing, DFO, South
4. Shri.D.K.Vinod Kumar, DFO, Central
5. Shri.Arun.R.S, Director, Manipur Zoo
6. Shri.Huri Gonmei, DFO, Tamenglong
7. Shri.Ch.Ibomcha Singh, ACF, TP-II
8. Shri.Ch.Brajamani Singh, Director, MFTS
9. Shri.N.Somorendro Singh, WPSO
: Chairman
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member Secretary
CATERING SUB-COMMITTEE:
: Chairman
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member Secretary
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE:
1. Shri.Bala Prasad, PCCF, Manipur
2. Dr.Khaizalian, APCCF, Biodiversity, Manipur
3. Dr.Lokho Puni, OSD, Planning, Manipur
4. Shri.L.Gopal Singh, CCF, TP-II, Manipur
5. Shri.H.Brajamani Sharma, CCF, TP-III, Manipur
6. Shri.Th.Mohendra Pratap Singh, CF, Central Circle, Manipur
7. Smt.Soreiphy Vashum, CF, Eastern Circle, Manipur
8. Shri.Arun.R.S, Director, Manipur Zoo, Manipur
9. Smt.Debala Leiphrakpam, DFO, Research
10. Shri.D.K.Vinod Kumar, DCF (Admn. & Plg.), Manipur
ARRANGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE:
1. Shri. L.Muhindro Singh, CF, WP & Research

2. Shri.Kh.Shyam Singh, CF, Northern Circle
3. Shri.A.Bonbirdhwaja Singh, DFO, Soil
4. Shri.R.K.Amarjit Singh, DFO, Chandel
5. Shri.Sanajaoba Khuraijam, DFO, Thoubal
6. Shri.Ch.Biren Singh, DFO, Social Forestry
7. Shri.D.K.Vinod Kumar, DFO, Central
: Chairman
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member Secretary
PUBLICITY AND MEDIA SUB-COMMITTEE:

: Chairman
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member Secretary
1. Shri.P.N.Prasad, APCCF, Wildlife

2. Shri.Kh.Ibomcha Singh, CF, Western Circle
3. Shri.L.Lukhoi Singh, DFO, Bishnupur
4. Shri.R.K.Amarjit Singh, DFO, Chandel
5. Smt.Debala Leiphrakpam, DFO, Research
6. Smt.L.Bandana Chanu, IFS (Prob)
7. Shri.K.Sheetol Singh, DFO, (SF-IV)
8. Shri.L.Joykumar Singh
: Chairman
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member
: Member Secretary
Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector
On 16-17 February, 2015

at Jubilee Hall, RIMS Campus
Lamphelpat, Imphal, Manipur

Organized by
Forest Department of Manipur
in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board,

Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
Published by:
FOREST DEPARTMENT
Government of Manipur,
Sanjenthong, Imphal

Copy: 400/-
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely of their respective authors and
should not be attributed to the Forest Department, Government of Manipur. All efforts have
been made to ensure accuracy, but the editors will not be held responsible for any remaining
inaccuracies.
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Fax: 0385 - 2451186
SOUTH BLOCK
MANIPUR SECRETARIAT
IMPHAL - 795001
Th. Devendra Singh
MINISTER
(Rev./Forest & Env./Law & L.A.)
Manipur
Message
I am glad that the Forest Department, Manipur, is organizing a National Workshop on the
"Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector in North Eastern India" in collaboration with
the National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India during the 16-17
February, 2015 at Imphal with an objective to give boost the medicinal plants sector in the region.
The North Eastern India has great potential in the medicinal plants sector owing to the vast
diversity it encompasses due to the location of two of the worlds biodiversity hotspots in its
expanse. The domestic demand for medicinal plant raw materials is so huge that the strengthening
of supply systems for the same alone can bring vast economic gains for the region.
It is important to mention that the sector has far reaching potential in the International scenario
given the steady resurgence in use of medicinal plants in traditional healing systems globally.
The Departments initiative to revive the medicinal plants sector in the North Eastern India is
commendable.
I wish the two day workshop all success.

(Th. Debendra Singh)

Bala Prasad
PREFACE
Principal Chief Conservator

of Forests,
Head of Forestry Force,
Government of Manipur.
email: pccfmn@nic.in
balaprasad1983@hotmail.com
Global market for medicinal herbs and herbal products is estimated to touch US$ 2 trillion
by 2020 and US$ 5 trillion by 2050 and thereby making this sector as one of the fastest growing
sector. Medicinal plants are not only a major resource base for the traditional medicine & herbal
industry but also provide livelihood and health security to a large segment of Indian population.
The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) set-up in November 2000 by the Government of
India has the primary mandate of coordinating all matters relating to medicinal plants and support
policies and programmes for growth of trade, export, conservation and cultivation. The Board is
under the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy (AYUSH). The
board is developing medicinal plants sector in India in a comprehensive manner by implementing
its well designed schemes and promoting the sector.
The North Eastern India is endowed with vast resources of medicinal plants. There is a need to
organize the sector and develop it to support livelihood systems sustainably. The state of Manipur
has also comparative advantage in the medicinal plants sector due to the ideal climatic conditions,
the diverse geographic and edaphic conditions and sharing of boundary with Myanmar providing
access to the market of BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries.
The souvenir, being published on the occasion of the National Workshop, contains a set of
papers covering various facets of medicinal plants sector. The papers provide profile of the sector
within and outside the region. The material information, encompassed in these papers would
go a long way in providing knowledge to the readers about different dimensions of the sector,
particularly with reference to North Eastern region.
Bala Prasad
5
The workshop is intended to be the starting point of a huge initiative to strengthen the Medicinal
plants sector in the North eastern region. The experts in the field of conservation, traditional
knowledge, cultivation, collection, marketing of medicinal plants; representatives of all State
Medicinal Plants Board; Ayurvedic drug and Extract Manufacturers etc. would participate in the
deliberation of the workshop.

Forest Department, Manipur has taken a lead by organising National Workshop on Sustainable
development of Medicinal Plant Sector in the North Eastern India in collaboration with National
Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India during 16-17 February 2015 at
Imphal to deliberate all important dimensions of medicinal plants particularly, with reference to
the region. The workshop may provide a platform to deliberate whole spectrum of opportunities
and issues and come out with comprehensive set of recommendations. This would also go long
way in providing a road map for much needed boost to the sector in the region.

Contents
Sl.No.
Authors
Title
Page
9
Papori Phukan Borpuzari &

Kuntala Neog Baruah
Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat,
Assam, India
Prospect of cultivation of Panax pseudoginseng

Wall. and Panax assamicus Ban. under different
edapho- climatic situation of north eastern region
an approach
21
A.K. Phurailatpam & A.K. Pandey

College of Horticulture & Forestry,
Central Agricultural University,
Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Collection and Conservation of Medicinal and

Aromatic Plants in Arunachal Pradesh through
herbal garden
23
P. Bhattacharjee, TFS, DCF, Research

Division & CEO, MPBT
Overview on medicinal plants sector in Tripura
33
Meenakshi Negi, CEO, NMPB,

Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi, India
Key issues facing the Medicinal Plants Sector
36
Shekhar Kumar Niraj &

Mohnish Kapoor
TRAFFIC India, C/O WWF-India,
New Delhi, India
How standard certification in trade of medicinal

and aromatic plants can lead to ecological and
economic success in a transiting economy
39
Dr. Muhammed Majeed

Founder and Managing Director
SAMI LABS LTD., Bangalore, India
Potential and prospects of medicinal plants in

North-East: expectation of stakeholders
43
Dr. R.C. Uniyal

Department of Bio-Resource
Development Emami Ltd., Anandapur,
Kolkata, India
Mainstreaming of Medicinal Plants Sector in

North East India
53
R.S. Jat & Jitendra Kumar

ICAR,
Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants Research, Anand, Gujarat, India
Potential and prospects of medicinal plants in

North East India and expectations of stake holders
59
10
Bala Prasad
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
Forest Department, Manipur, India
Strategic framework for developing ayurveda,

unani and medicinal plants extract industry in
Manipur
67
11
Dr. Ghazala Javed, Scientist-IV,

IC-Section, Ministry of AYUSH,
New Delhi, India
Policy framework on protection of traditional

knowledge and access and benefit sharing- An
analysis
75
K. Haridasan Advisor, FRLHT & Professor Medicinal and aromatic plants: an under utilized
Emeritus TDU, Bangalore, India
resource in North-East India for health and
livelihood security.


Medicinal and aromatic plants an underutilised

resource in Northeast India for health and livelihood
security
K. Haridasan, Advisor,
FRLHT, & Professor Emeritus TDU, Bangalore
The land and habitat

The eight states forming northeast region of India put together has an area of 262,179 SqKm
and has a forest cover of 173219 Sq.Km (Table 1). The landscape consists of plains, valleys, hills
to snow clad peaks supporting divergent vegetation ranging from Tropical forests, subtropical
forests, Temperate forests, alpine forests etc with a number of subtypes within each of the

Introduction:
Northeast India with a huge diversity in flora, vegetation, culture, climate etc, is a known
region rich in medicinal plants that have potential in contributing to the economic upliftment and
supporting the health security. The regions Flora and medicinal plant wealth is known through
several works in the past (Rao 1994, Sakalni & jain 1994, Sinha 1996, Rawat & Chowdhury
1998, Haridasan et al 2003, Deorani & Sharma 2007,Nair et al 2009, Changkija et al 2010,
Sharma & Sharma 2010). However due to inherent constraints the resource availability is not fully
known nor it is harnessed in a manner whatsoever fit to the sustainable use and market needs.
The major share of usage is in the form of traditional healing practices and local applications. In
addition there has also been exploitation of few of the resource in an alarmingly high rate and
in an unsustainable manner in the past which include the popularly known plants like Taxus,
Chirayita, Homalomena, Agar, Paris and several others. This has pushed few of these species to
endangered category warranting conservation efforts. Several Universities, research organisations,
State Forest and other government departments, NGOs and others are working to save the
threatened plants. A probe into the medicinal plant wealth of the region will reveal that with the
existing physiography, wide ranging altitudes, microclimatic variations, vegetation features there
are variation in the availability of medicinal plants in each of the state here. Depending upon
the community inhabiting there is also changes in traditional knowledge associated and practices
unique to them. Their interaction has certainly led to the larger number of species used in health
care. Unlike other states the communities role in preservation of the species is much higher as
much of the land belongs to the community who also manages them through customary laws and
practices. This scenario also opens up challenges in understanding the relationship with the forest
and other government departments, the biodiversity management rules, the local healers, traders
and so on. In each of the states here the medicinal plant board and State Biodiversity Board(SBB)
are also active and supports augmentation, management and harnessing of the resources. Thus
one can see the diversity in terms of stake holders and their priorities. This paper takes a look
at the current scenario of medicinal plant resource in the region and stake holders claim on the
resource.
broad vegetation types. An estimated 52 forest types are recorded in the region which is the
highest for any region (Table 2). each state has its own forest coverage which is higher than the
national average of 21.05% (FSI.2011). The prevalent jhum agriculture in the region also results
in secondary vegetation that offer habitat for medicinal plants suitable for these habitats. The jhum
fallows are infact ideal locations for augmenting the resource. The region is also known for large
rivers and wet lands that offer habitat for aquatic and marshy vegetation and medicinal plants
unique to these habitats. Acorus, Trapa, Euryle, Baccopa, etc are glaring examples of species
in demand from these habitats. The High altitude species inhabiting the temperate and alpine
zones are also unique as such habitats are not seen commonly elsewhere in the country. However
as is the case in rest of the country over 90% of the medicinal plants are sourced for wild and
cultivation is limited except for forest department plantations of medicinal plants of tree nature.
Table 1: Forest cover in the region as per FSI report 2011
N.E States
Geographical Area of the

state
Forest Area (Total)
Percentage Forest Cover
Arunachal Pradesh
83,743
67,410
80.50
Assam
78438
27,673
35.28
Manipur
22,327
17,090
76.54
Meghalaya
22,429
17,275
77.02
Mizoram
21,081
19,117
90.68
Nagaland
16,579
13,318
80.33
Tripura
10,486
7,977
76.04
Sikkim
7,096
3,359
47.34
Total
2,33,878
173219
66.07

Table 2: Showing Forest types in North East India as per Champion and Seth.
IB/CI
Assam valley Tropical wet evergreen forest
IB/C2(a,b)
Upper Assam valley Tropical evergreen forest
IB/C3
Cachar tropical evergreen forest.
I/EI
Cane brakes.
I/E2
Wet bamboo brakes.
I/2SI
Pioneer Euphorbiaceous scrub.
2B/CI(a,b)
Assam valley Semi-evergreen forest.
2B/CI/IS1
Sub Himalayan high alluvial Semi evergeen forest.
2B/CI/IS2
Syzygium parkland.
2B/CI/2S2
Eastern alluvial Secondary semi evergreen forest.
2B/C/2S3
Sub Himalayan Secondary wet mixed forest.
2B/C2
Cachar Semi evergreen forest.
2/E3
Moist bamboo brakes.
2/2SI
Secondary Moist bamboo brakes.
3C/C1(a,b,c)
Very Moist Sal forest.
3C/C2(d)
Moist plains Sal forest.
3C/C2DSI
Moist Sal savannah.
3C/C3(b)
East Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forest.
3C/C3/2SI
Northern Secondary moist mixed deciduous forest.
10
3/ISI
Low alluvial Savannah woodland.
3/IS2(a,b)
Eastern Hollock forest.
4C/FS2
Sub Montane hill valley swamp forest.
4C/FS3
Creeper swamp forest.
4D/SSI to SS5
Tropical seasonal swamp forest.
4D/2S2
Eastern wet alluvial grassland.
4D/RSI
Riparian fringing forest.
5/IS2
Khair Sissu forest.
8B/C2
Khasi Sub tropical hill forest.
8B/DBI
Assam Sub tropical hill savannah woodland.
9/C2(8B/2SI)
Assam Sub tropical pine forest.
9/C2/DSI
Assam Sub tropical pine savannah
IIB/CI(a,b,c)
East Himalayan wet temperate forest.
IIB/C2
Naga hills wet Temperate forest.
12/C3(a,b)
East Himalayan moist Temperate forest.
12/EI
Cypress forest.
12/DSI
Montane bamboo brakes.
12/ISI
Alder forest.
12/2SI
Low level Blue pine forest.
13/C6
East Himalayan dry Temperate coniferous forest.
13/C6/EI
Larch forest.
13/C7
East Himalayan dry juniper/birch forest.
13/ISI
Hippophae/Myricaria scrub.
14/C2
East Himalayan Sub alpine birch/fir forest.
14/C2/2SI
Sub alpine Blue pine forest.
14/DSI
Sub alpine pasture.
15/CI
Birch/Rhododendron scrub.
15/C2
Deciduous alpine scrub.
15/C2/EI
Dwarf Rhododendron scrub.
16/CI
Dry alpine scrub.
16/EI
Dwarf juniper scrub.
Medicinal plant resources:

It is fairly well recognised now that NE region harbours well over 50% of Indian flora which
is also true to the medicinal flora. As per records available in the database of FRLHT over 6500
species are used medicinally in the country and NE India has a greater share of this with more than
60% presence. A perusal of the prioritised medicinal plants for promotion by NMPB will reveal
that over 80% of the listed plants exists in the region. There are a large number of unique, narrowly
distributed, and endemic species from here that are fetched for the countries medicinal plant
industry. To cite few example are Coptis teeta, Aquilaria malacdensis, Homalomena aromatica,
Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Elaeocarous sphaericus, Illicium griffithii, Rubia cordifolia,
Cinnamomum tamala, etc and several high altitude species like Kutki, Taxus, Aconitum, Berberis,
Rubia, Podophyllum, Swertia, Gymnadenia, Dendrobium, Paris, Valariana and other species.
The current trend is to harvest them from wild and trade it elsewhere. They move as raw material
11
Secondary Euphorbiaceous scrub.

3C/C3/2S2
for factories located far awayin other parts of the country. Obviously this need prohibitive and
huge transporting cost which indeed is a major bottle neck for the resource utilisation. The option
of value addition too has its limitations due to local conditions and limiting factors like poor
infrastructure, dearth of human resource, lack of technological support and so on.
In line with the altitudinal and vegetation variation the regions more common species that
have potential in economic growth of the region and health security can be broadly grouped into
Low altitude (largely tropical and subtropical) and high altitude which are mainly of temperate
and alpine habitats. The aquatic species too are important for the region. Few of the prominent
aquatic species are Lotus, Euryale, Trapa, Acorus, Baccopa and Cyperus. The list below provides
information on important medicinal plants of the region grouped into these categories (Table
3). A perusal of the list will also reveal that the medicinal flora of the region are dispersed
across all habit types like trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers. This offers scope for mixed and
integrated plantations to augment the resource. Model plantation combinations can be attempted
for optimum productivity selecting species from table 3. Medicinal Orchids is another interesting
group from the region which are much popular for their ornamental value too. The NE states
like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur have made marked progress in this field. A list of
important medicinal orchids from the region is given in the table 4 below based on inputs from
Dr. A N Rao.

Table 3: medicinal plants found in different agroclimatic zones in northeast

India.
Tropical
Sub-Tropical
Temperate
Alpine
Alpinia galanga
Cinnamomum tamala*
Aconitum spp
Aconitum spp*
Andrographis paniculata
Embelia ribes*
E. floribunda
Berberis spp
Berberis sp*
Aquillaria malaccensis*
Gymnocladus assamicus
Bergenia ciliata
Fritillaria cirrhosa
Baccopa monneiri
Litsea cubeba
Coptis teeta*
Juniperus recurva
Rubia cordifolia
Nardostachys jatamansi
Rhododendron anthopogon
Dioscorea floribunda
Valeriana spp*
Panax sikkimensis
Elaeocarpus sphaericus
Zanthoxylum armatum
Paris polyphylla*
Emblica officinalis.*
Picrorhiza kurroa*
Gmelina arborea *
Podophyllum hexandrum*
Gloriosa superba
Prunus cerasoides
Gynocardia odorata
Swertia chirayita*
Homalomena
aromatica*
Taxus wallichiana*
Hydnocarpus kurzii
Valeriana jatamansi
Mesua ferrea
Oroxylum indicum*
Piper mullesua*
Piper longum*
Piper nigrum*
Terminalia chebula*
Terminalia bellirica*
12
Table 4: Medicinal orchids in northeast India (After Dr. A.N. Rao)

Tropical
Sub-Tropical
Alpine
Acampe papillosa
Dendrobium aphyllum,
Dendrobium jenkinsii
Dendrobium fimbriatum
Echioglossum trichorrhiza
Flickingeria fugax
Luisia williamsonii
Papilionanthe teres
Vanda tessellata (V.roxburghii)
Crepidium acuminatum
Eulophia spectabilis
Dendrobium nobile
Dendrobium spp
Gymnadenia orchidis
Satyrium nepalense
Ashtavarga plants
For the region a very important group of medicinal plant are the ones known as Ashtavarga
in Ayurveda which has high demand and relevance. All of them can be cultivated in northeastern
states where with high altitude zones. The species composing Astavarga are as follows. Roscoea
purpurea, Lilium polyphyllum, Crepidium acuminatum (Melaxis acuminata, Microstylis wallichii),
Melaxis muscifera (microstylis muscifera), Polygonatum verticillatum, Polygonatum cirrhifolium,
Habernaria intermedia, Habenaria edgeworthii (platanthera edgeworthii)
Ayurveda
Folk
Siddha
Unani
Tibetan
Homoeo
Western
1537
5215
1147
493
250
489
190
13
Table 5: Plants used across Medical systems

The healers and their traditional practice:

Indian system of medicine largely use plants and in the AYUSH (Ayurveda Unani, Siddha,
Homoeopath) varying number of plants are utilised for treating different disease (Table 5). North
east offers the largest ethnic diversity with several tribes and sub-tribes inhabiting the land. Due
to the physiographical isolation and unique life styles they developed treatment practices that are
not common elsewhere and has not been in sharing with other communities. This has resulted
in unique practices which use unique plants around them. Thus there is a large dependency
of the healers on medicinal plants of the region. They usually source the raw material for their
requirement from the forest lands around. With increasing habitat destruction and vegetation
change it becomes more difficult to access the species and often they have to fetch them from
far of places. There is an urgent need to reverse this scenario. Obviously this will warrant a fully
fledged study to plan out programmes to mitigate.
The resource pooling:

In the region there are several unique and important medicinal plants that are in demand
elsewhere. These plants are harvested from wild, without much concern for sustainability which
has often pushed many to peril. Few examples that can be cited are of Taxus wallichiana,
Aquilaria malaccensis, Coptis teeta, Dendrobium spp, Homolomena aromatica, Rubia cordifolia
and recently Paris polyphylla. These collections are primarily for trade. Thus annual harvesting
is a feature in the hills. Some of the species in high trade in the country which are also seen in
the region are given in table 6. Similarly table 7 below provides the top 10 traded species in
the country most of which are also found in north east india. In the region there are over 3500
medicinal plant species estimated covering different states which actually include plants used in
all the different medical systems in India (Table 5). It may be noted that few of them may not be
traded at all from the region. The healers on the other hand use mostly plants they grow in their
home and vicinity. Of late they are also finding it difficult to access plants of their choice from
the immediate vicinity as they have disappeared due to reasons best known.

Table 6: National level Trade information based on Ved & Goraya 2008 on
selected species from the region.
Sl.
no.
Name of species
Trade name
Major supply
source
Estimated annual trade (MT)
Aconitum ferox
Vachnag
HF
100-200
Aquilaria malaccensis
Agar
100-200
Cinnamomum tamala
Tejpat
HF
500-1000
Emblica officinalis
Amla
TF
16000
Gmelina arborea
Gambhar Chal
TF
1000-2000
Juniperus communis
Hauber
HF
500-1000
Mesua ferrea
Nagkesar
TF
200-500
Oroxylum indicum
Batghila
TF
1000-2000
Picrorhiza kurroa
Kutki
HF
200-500
10
Piper longum
Pippali
1000-2000
11
Rubia cordifolia
Manjistha
TF
500-1000
12
Stereospermum chelonoides
Patala
TF
1000-2000
13
Swertia chirayita
Chirayit
500-1000
14
Taxus wallichiana Zucc.
Yew
HF
100-200
15
Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.)Roxb.
Bohera
TF
2000-5000
16
Terminalia chebula Retz
Harda
TF
5000-10000
17
Valeriana jatamansi Jones
Pompos
HF
100-200
Table 7: Top 10 traded medicinal plants in India. Most of these are seen in
northeast also.
Sl No
Species
Quantity in MT
Emblica officinalis
16820
Terminalia chebula
8158
Sida rhombifolia
5505
Withania somnifera
4575
Tinospora cordifolia
3845
14
Ocimum tenuiflorum
3533
Terminalia bellirica
3424
Eclipta prostrata
3351
Andrographis paniculata
3279
10
Asparagus racemosus
3180
----Source Ved & Goraya 2008
A matter of concern is the absence of any data on resource availability from the region as
there is no proper resource survey or inventory available for medicinal plants of the region. In fact
it is only recently medicinal plants have found a place in our working plans. Similarly sustainable
harvesting practices are unheard of in the region for medicinal plants. A perusal of the table 8
below will reveal that a major share of the parts used like roots, whole plant, stem bark and wood
might result in destructive harvesting. Depending upon the part used such as root, bark or whole
plant the harvesting practice is certainly destructive. There is an urgent need for taking adequate
initiatives to make harvesting sustainable through well founded research protocols.
Table 8: Medicinal Plants vis a vis part used in percentage
Sl. No
Part
Roots
26.2
Fruits
25.8
Whole plant
13.0
Stem & Bark
12.6
5
6
7
8
9
10
Leaves
Flowers
Exudates
Wood
Galls
Oil
10.9
6.5
2.9
1.6
0.3
0.2
15
Biodiversity act and GI

Further in this region people are not aware of the Biodiversity act and regulation access and
benefit sharing. Neither many know about the provisions of the rule. Many traders get distracted
due to the restrictions imposed and regulations on collection which need to be simplified and
disseminated for better implementation.

Trade marketing and value addition

This is one of the most neglected but most required facet of medicinal plant based development
in the region. Due to its remoteness and accessibility constraints the collection and value addition
prospects gets hampered and the returns drastically reduce. The produce often get undervalued
or left unutilised due to this. The regions lack of value addition points and infrastructure actually
add to the state of affairs. Even there is no primary processing points worth mentioning in most of
the states. There are trading or forwarding centers only in Tinsukia, Tezpur etc and in Kolkatta.
When the materials are thus transported to long distances from the high rainfall region like
northeast the chances of deterioration in transit is high and the produce fetch lesser price. There
are instances when such consignments are rejected on grounds of poor quality.
Similarly northeast India has several unique products that qualify for getting GI registration.
Compared to states like Karnataka the states in northeast has barely any GI awarded to their
products. The State Biodiversity boards need to explore the possibilities.
RET species and Conservation
Due to reasons largely of human origin, many of our medicinal plants e.g. Aquilaria malaccensis,
Taxus wallciana are getting threatened. A few of them are having miniscule number of plants
in their population. A few others such as Coptis teeta, Amentotaxus assamicus, Gymnocladus
assamicus, etc. are endemics, literally meaning that they are restricted to a particular geographical
area. The conservation status of these plants needs to be assessed for taking up appropriate
measures for their conservation and rehabilitation. The International Union for Conservation
of Nature and natural Resources (IUCN) has evolved the criteria to assign different plants into
different threat categories and our plants are to be linked to their Species Information System (SIS)
so that global initiatives for conservation can be attracted for them. Broadly the factors causing
threat are developmental pressures, land use changes leading to habitat changes, unsustainable
collections, invasion of alien plants and so on.
In the year 2003, the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local health Traditions (FRLHT) in
collaboration with local botanists, field officers of the forest department and faculty from the
universities had attempted to prioritize the medicinal plants of the region. Arunachal Pradesh,
Assma, Meghalaya and Sikkim were the states included in the Conservation Assessment and
Management Prioritisation (CAMP) workshop Held at Guwahat in 2003 (Ved et. Al. 2003). The
list of species assessed for these states and the assignment of category are given in Table 9 below.

Table 9: List of threatened medicinal plants of Arunachal Pradesh (CAMP Report,

2003)
THREAT STATUS
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ASSAM
MEGHALAYA
SIKKIM
CR(Critically
Endangered)
Amentotaxus assamica(G)
Gymnocladus assamicus (G)
Aquilaria malaccensis
Dienia muscifera
Rauvolfia serpentina
Smilax glabra
Smilax glabra
Illicium griffithii
Smilax glabra
Taxus wallichiana
Podophyllum
hexandrum
EN (Endangered)
Aconitum ferox
Aconitum heterophyllum
Brucea mollis
Cephalotaxus griffithii
Coptis teeta (G)
Flickingeria cirrhosa
Nardostachys jatamansi
Picrorhiza kurroa
Pleione maculata
Taxus wallichiana
Tropidia curculigoides
16
Aquilaria
Aquilaria
malaccensis
malaccensis
Brucea mollis Citrus macroptera
var.
Cibotium
annamensis
barometz
Dendrobium
Citrus
nobile
macroptera
Flickingeria fugax
var.
Nepenthes
annamensis
khasiana (G)
Dendrobium
Panax wangianus
nobile
Flickingeria Pleione maculata
fugax
Garcinia
pedunculata
Homalomena
aromatica
Aconitum ferox
Aconitum
heterophyllum
Dienia
muscifera
Flickingeria
fugax
Fritillaria
cirrhosa
Nardostachys
jatamansi
Rhododendron
anthopogon
Taxus
wallichiana
THREAT
STATUS
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ASSAM
VU
(Vulnerable)
Bergenia ciliata
Gynocardia odorata
Hydnocarpus kurzii
Mahonia napaulensis
Oroxylum indicum
Piper peepuloides (G)
Cinnamomum tamala
Dendrobium nobile
Gymnadenia orchides
Homalomena aromatica
Mahonia napaulensis
Oroxylum indicum
Piper boehmeriaefolium
Piper pedicellatum (G)
Piper peepuloides (G)
Podophyllum hexandrum
Polygonatum verticillatum
MEGHALAYA
SIKKIM
Bergenia ciliata
Bergenia ciliata
Cibotium barometz
Dendrobium nobile
Cinnamomum
Gymnadenia orchides
tamala
Mahonia napaulensis
Drosera peltata
Oroxylum indicum
Gentiana quadrifaria
Picrorhiza kurroa
Hydnocarpus kurzii
Piper pedicellatum
Mahonia napaulensis
(G)
Oroxylum indicum Piper peepuloides (G)
Piper peepuloides
Pleione maculata
(G)
Rheum nobile
Swertia chirayita
Swertia chirayita
Valeriana hardwickii
Valeriana jatamansi
Valeriana jatamansi
Rhododendron
anthopogon
Swertia chirayita
Valeriana jatamansi
(G)-Global: Bold fonts- are also seen in trade

The above table reveal that states like Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim are yet to be covered
for conservation Assessment. Perhaps Sikkim has recently conducted once such exercise with
collaboration from FRLHT. Even in those states which are covered earlier need to be reviewed
afresh as there is a long gap since the first assessment. Research organisations, Universities, Forest
and other line departments, local healers and experts on the flora are to be involved in such
efforts.
17
Enabling environment
Northeast India which has such a great treasure of medicinal plants is currently in a threshold
of development with several promotive programmes of national and state agencies are in
operation facilitating research, cultivation, and utilisation of medicinal plants. NMPB spearheads
the developments. Incidentally the region also has a good number of research institutes and
Universities engaged in the R & D on medicinal plant related fields. Agencies like NEC, NEDFi,
NERAMAC etc tries to coordinate regional efforts on cultivation and trade and show case the wealth
outside. Several forest and other department schemes offers scope for integrating medicinal plants

Having recognised the RET plants there is a need to conserve them. We are familiar with
ex situ and in situ methods of conservation. The most economical and effective conservation
method for medicinal plants are in situ conservation. FRLHT has been pioneering with State Forest
Departments in situ conservation through Medicinal Plant Conservation area approach (MPCA)
and has resulted in the largest network of in situ conservation plots in the tropical world with 108
MPCAs across 12 states in the country. Among the north eastern states only Arunachal Pradesh
has established 7 MPCAs following the right process. However with support from NMPB Mizoram
and Nagaland have also initiated establishment of MPCAs. On a field observation it is seen that
there is scope for improvement of these MPCAs and for generation of baseline data.
specially trees which have demand for plantation. As elsewhere in the world in this region too
people have better acceptance and interest in plant based medicines and their utilisation. More
over the region has adequate land that could be used for growing medicinal plants in different
altitudes. The wetlands and jhum fallows offer such a scope.
Fostering growth
With such positive features the region is poised to emerge as a leading centre of health care
resources. What is important is a convergence of efforts by each agency that works in the field.
There is a need to create awareness and capacity building which will warrant efforts in extension
demonstration and exposure. Funding mechanisms also need to be channelized. Information
on various aspects covering nursery and agro technology, demand and supply, post harvest
technology, processing and value addition, marketing etc need to be put in place which are easily
accessible using modern technologies.

Conclusion
The region especially Manipur has a great scope in medicinal plant development. Currently
there is not much of organised harnessing of the resources. As expected most of the collections are
from wild and plantations are negligible. The harvesting and management is not in a sustainable
way and this need to be taken note of. Further there are no attempts in post harvest technology,
value addition and manufacturing. The remoteness and difficulty in transportation and absence
of marketing centres pose a great hurdle in developing the sector. There is a need for effective
coordination and proper information system for addressing the farmers requirement and to act
as a show case for the resources from the region to external world. The region also warrants an
inventorisation of medicinal plants available in different states and at different agroclimatic zones.
Due to developmental pressures a substantial number of our valuable medicinal plants are in
threat. This need to be assessed and evaluated for taking up remedial measures and conservation
action. Though agrotechnology is available for a few of the medicinal plants further research in
this direction is required for successful augmentation programmes. States like Arunachal Pradesh
has taken up prioritisation of species suitable for different agroclimatic zones and to incorporate
in the government programmes. Similar efforts in other states will be rewarding. Most of these
challenges can be addressed and the demand of different stake holders could be met. Thus the
region could emerge as a national resource base for health and livelihood security.
Acknowledgement
The author is thankful to the forest departments of all northeastern states for helps in field
visits and some financial support specially from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Further reading:
Barik.S K & Pandey H.N.2006. Ecology, Diversity and Conservation of plants and Ecosystems
in India.
Champion, H.G. and S.K. Seth 1968. A revised survey of the forest types of India.
Manager of Publication. New Delhi. India.
Chauhan, A.S., 1997. Plant diversity in Manipur. In Hajra, P.K. & V. Mudgal (ed.) Plant
Diversity in India Botanical Survey of India 1153 1187.
18
Deorani S C and G D Sharma 2007. Medicinal Plants of Nagaland. BSMPS, Dehradun.

FRLHT,2006 Conservation and Adaptive management of medicinal Plants A participatory
Model: medicinal Plant Conservation Areas and Medicinal Plant Development areas. FRLHT.
Bangalore.
FSI, 2011. State of Forest Report. FSI, Dehradun
Haridasan, K.; G. P.Shukla & B. S.Benewal 1995. Medicinal Plants of Arunachal Pradesh.
S.F.R.I. Information Bulletin No. 5. State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar.
Haridasan K, Anupam Sarmah, Bhuyan LR, Hegde SN and Ahlawat SP (2003), SFRI
Information Bulletin No.16 - Field Manual for Propagation and Plantation of Medicinal Plants,
State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar.
Hegde, S.N. & R. S. Ingalhalli1988. A note on the medicinal usage of some Orchids. Arunachal
Forest News 6 (1): 11-18
Jain, S.K. (ed.) 1981b. Glimpses of Indian Ethnobotany. Oxford and IBH Publ.Co., New Delhi.
Jain, S.K. & R.R. Rao, 1983. An assessment of threatened plants of India, Howrah.
Jain, S.K. and A.R.K. Sastry (1983). Threatened plants of India A state-of-the-Art report.
Howrah.
Kinhal G.A. & Jagannath Rao 2008 Adaptive management of Medicinal Plants and Non Timber
Forest products Strategies, Implications and Policy. BSMPS Dehradun Lalramnghinglova H, 2003.
Ethno-Medicinal Plants of Mizoram. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun, India.
Nair, D. D. , Gupta, A. K., Das, H. B. Chakraborti, A. 2009. Medicinal Plants of Tripura: A
Photo Descriptive Field Manual of 203 Medicinal. Medicinal Plants of Board of Tripura.
Nayar, M.P. 1996.
Thiruvananthapuram.
Hotspots of endemic plants of India, Nepal and Bhutan.
TBGRI,
Rao, R.R. 1994. Biodiversity in India (Floristic aspects). Dehradun. Pp 315.

Saklani Arvind and S.K. Jain, 1994. Cross-cultural ethnobotany of Northeast India. Deep
Publications, New Delhi.
Sapu Changkija, Ajungla L, Rongsenshashi, Renchumi Mozhui 2010. Medicinal and
Aromatic Flora of Nagaland. Medicinal Plant development Agency Nagaland.
19
Vol. 3. Botanical Survey of India. 271 pp. Calcutta.

Nayar, M.P. & A.R.K. Sastry (eds.). 1987. Red Data Book of Indian plants.
Vol. 1. Calcutta: Botanical Survey of India. 367 pp.
Nayar, M.P. & A.R.K. Sastry (eds.). 1988. Red Data Book of Indian Plants.
Vol. 2. Botanical Survey of India. 268 pp. Calcutta.
Nayar, M.P. & A.R.K. Sastry (eds.). 1990. Red Data Book of Indian Plants.
Shankar, R. and Rawat, M.S., 2010. Biodiversity of medicinal plants in North-East India: their
systematic utilization. Open Access J. of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.1 (2)
Sharma, T. P. and Sharma, S. 2010. Medicinal Plants of Sikkim. Beracah Printing and Stationary.
Gangtok, East Sikkim.
Singh, H.B., 2003. Herbal Medicine of Manipur. Daya Publishing House, Delhi.
Sinha, S. C., 2001. Medicinal plants of Manipur. Manipur Association for Science & Society,
Imphal.
Tsewang J. Tsarong Tibetan Medicinal plants, Kalimpong, 1994
Ved D.K. & G S Goraya 2008 Demand and Supply of Medicinal Plants in India. BSMPS
Dehradun.
Ved D.K, G. A. Kinhal,K. Haridasan, K. Ravikumar, Utkarsh Ghate, R. Vijaya shankar, & J. H.
Indresha 2003. Conservation Assessment and management Prioritisation for the medicinal
plants of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim (proceedings of the workshop held
at Guwahati during 27thFebruary to 1st March 2003. FRLHT, Bangalore.
http://www.fsi.nic.in/cover_2011/chapter2.pdf
http://envis.frlht.org

www.nmpb.nic.in/
20
Prospect of cultivation of
Panax pseudoginseng Wall. and Panax assamicus Ban.
under different edapho- climatic situation of north
eastern region an approach

Papori Phukan Borpuzari *and Kuntala Neog Baruah**

* Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam, India
paporis@icfre.org, ppborpuzari@gmail.com
** baruahkn@icfre.org
Rationale:
States of north eastern region have comprising the richest reservoir of plant diversity in India. Due
to over exploitation, several important taxa were enlisted as threatened, endangered and vulnerable.
Among them species Panax pseudoginseng and P. assamicus of eastern Asia nativity considered as
threatened and endangered status. These are slow growing perennial herbaceous plant with highly
valued roots. The long reproductive cycle and difficulties associated with seed germination and
lack of defined selection criteria, ginseng cultivation for conservation is most important. The active
components of ginseng i.e. ginsenosides have many health benefits like helping the body resist
stress, disease and the effects of aging etc. Considering the population status of both the species
along with high economic value for medicinal purpose and the favourable agro climatic zones in
northeastern region, the prospect of cultivation methodology for regeneration and conservation is
utmost necessary.
21
Result:
More than 3500 tons of ginseng roots are produced in the world every year but the scientific data
on known aspects of cultivation are not available (Hussain, 1992). North eastern region is blessed
with wide range of eco-climatic suitability to fulfill the specific micro environment requirement for
cultivation of these species. After extensive survey in the north eastern region for collection planting
material and soil along with the places where plants are available can also be identified and their
ecological niches. The raising of mother sock, identify the willing farmers for cultivation under
protected field condition, geo positioning data, data on light intensity, growth parameters like leaf
area index, height and girth, mortality percentage, disease and insect pest intensity, yield attributes,
soil fertility and soil moisture may be a best criterion for plantation of these species.

Methodology:
Ginsengs species are very difficult to grow and extremely sensitive to habitat and need much
care for their existence. As per reports rhizomes or seeds can be used for propagation of this
species. The plants were grown mostly in fertile soils, which are rich in organic matter, forest
humus and compost. For successful cultivation, the species requires cool summer temperature not
exceeding 30C for better growth and shade. The land should be ploughed several times to allow
decomposition of organic matter and to avoid soil-borne diseases, pests and weeds. 1 or 2 irrigation
in a week is required during summer when there is no rain. Harvesting of rhizomes can be done
when the berries ripen.
Important outcome:
Wijesekera, 1991 indicated that non availability of data on ginseng cultivation owing to the
scanty literature and maintaining strict secrecy on cultivation practices. According to Joshi et.al,
1991 no past record were accessible in the time of cultivation of P. pseudoginseng. Hence, it is
an urgent need to propagate for conservation point of view of these threatened and endangered
medicinal plants species of north eastern region. Standardization of cultivation technology may
also be facilitating to release for package of practices.

Chandel
NewsEastern
letter India
in North
Reference:
1. Hussain, A. (1992) Status report on medicinal plants for NAM Countries. Current Science &
Technology of NAM Countries Publ. New Delhi, pp. 37-43.
2. Joshi, G.C., Tiwari, K.C. and Uniyal, M.R.(1991) Conservation and large scale cultivation
strategy of Indian ginseng- Panax pseudoginseng Wall. Indian Forester, no.2, pp. 131-134.
3. Wijesekera, R. O. B. (1991) The medicinal plant industry. CRC Press, Boca Raton. pp. 47-48.
22
Collection and Conservation of

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in
Arunachal Pradesh through herbal garden
A.K. Phurailatpam and A.K. Pandey
College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University
Pasighat-791102, Arunachal Pradesh, India
E-mail- arunkumarph@gmail.com,
Introduction
The Herbal Garden of College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural university,
Pasighat strives on cultivation, propagation and conservation of herbal plants including rare,
endangered, threatened and endemic plants from different agro-climatic zones of India for
sustainable supply of raw material to the herbal and aromatic departments/industries for viable
research/enterprise and to promote awareness for MAP cultivation amongst the farmers of
Arunachal Pradesh. Greater emphasis is taken on the plants which are found indigenously in
the jungles of this region. The people of Arunachal have been using these resources since time
immemorial for their sustenance, livelihood and health care. Sordidly, they are ill informed about
these medicinal plants, which lead to unorganized cultivation and injudicious collection from the
wild causing depletion of the raw material which were abundant in nature.
23

Arunachal Pradesh is situated in the north eastern border of India in the Himalayas stretching
between longitude 90030 E and 97 0 30 E and latitude 26 028 N and 29 031 N. There are
over 500 species of medicinal plants reported so far from Arunachal Pradesh. They can not only
cure our ailments but can also be potential source of economy to the state, which has already a
vast knowledge on Indigenous system of medicine (ISM). It will open up avenues in cultivation,
processing, packaging, marketing and industrial application. The medicinal plants are found
throughout the forests and vast uncultivated lands in the state. Some of the MAPs are found
excluding in this part of the state and are much sought after by pharmaceutical companies. Quite
obviously it is the rural people, particularly the unemployed woman and children, who would be
benefited by these ventures. The vegetation of Arunachal Pradesh falls under four broad climatic
categories and can be classified in five broad forest types with a sixth type of secondary forests.
These are tropical forests, sub-tropical forests, pine forests, temperate forests and alpine forests.
In these varied agro climatic conditions numerous types of herbs, climbers, shrubs and trees
are found in wild. This Himalayan region is comprised of a large variety of wild-growing plants
that are used for food and other subsistence needs by the local communities (Sundriyal et al.
2003). Arunachal Pradesh has many species of endangered, endemic, primitive, and relict flora.
The State harbors about 52 species of Rhododendrons, 18 species of Hedychium , 16 species
of Oaks, 33 species of Conifers and a large number of ferns and lichens. Out of these great
biodiversity, medicinal plants constitute a big percentage. Different and varied numbers of rare
and endangered medicinal plants are found in the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh which of only
a few has been exploited or documented. Some of the most economical medicinal plants are
Acorus, Andrographis, Aquilaria, Dioscorea, Oroxylum, Rauvolfia, Tinospora, Withania, etc in
low altitudes. While for high altitudes it is Aconitum, Coptis, Gymnadaenia, Illicium, Panax,
Picrorrhiza, Rubia, Taxus, etc. (http://www.arunachalpradesh.gov.in/flora.htm). The most urgent
need for the Arunachalees is to improve the economic condition for the society as a whole.
Arunachal, on the other hand, is having vast unexplored resources, which could be utilized in the
ongoing globalize economic condition so amply. The factor endowment of ethno-medicinal plants
as industrial input could bring about a drastic economic change of the state economy, which is
not properly realized till the very yesterday. The governmental role in this context is no doubt
immense, but the most important is to raise the entrepreneurial initiatives with development of
proper infrastructure to utilize this scope (Nursadh et al). In view of the above information and the
need of the hour to conserve the biodiversity, our field gene bank/ herbal garden was developed
for collection and ex-situ conservation of the rare as well as the commonly but economically
viable species in our herbal garden.
OBJECTIVES
Some objectives were set at the establishment of the herbal garden in our college;

1. To introduce plants from different geographical zones having medicinal importance at

commercial level.
2. Documentation and inventories all the medicinal plants growing in herbal garden on the basis
of their passport data.
3. Raising the biomass (ex-situ conservation) for research and teaching departments and for
exchange programmes.
4. To study and assess various environmental stresses on the medicinal plants affecting their
secondary metabolites.
5. To establish Germplasm bank , seed bank /gene bank for all the accessions collected and
transplanted from various agro-climatic zones.
6. To promote and educate the farmers of the region in MAP cultivation and its importance of
conservation.
UNITS OF CHF- HERBAL GARDEN
CHF Herbal garden has the following units:
Plant introduction unit
Shaded unit
Experimental unit
Climbers unit
Herbs unit
Shrubs unit
Germplasm repositories
Propagation sites
Medicinal arboretum
Nursery
24
CHF HERBAL GARDEN

CHF herbal garden was established in 2010 at the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central
Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh under the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
section, Department of Floriculture (Fig 1). The climate of Pasighat is hot humid and temperature
ranges from 320 C in summers and 230C in winters and sandy stony soil type. The MAP in our
herbal garden is mostly collected from the wilds of Arunachal Pradesh and some of them collected
from outside the state. Plant collection tours are frequently made at different forests of Arunachal
Pradesh and they are planted in our field or nursery and are multiplied in large numbers. Few
plants from the temperate areas like coptis teeta, Paris polyphylla and taxus baccata were also
maintained in our herbal garden but without much success as these plants need low temperature
and high altitude. We have more than 150 nos. of medicinal and aromatic plant species in our
garden and some of them are multiplied in large numbers for commercial purposes (Fig 2).
Fig.1. Geographical location of the CHF Herbal garden at Pasighat, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Fig 2. A wide view of the developing herbal garden
25

Fig. 3. CHF herbal garden
Fig. 4. Trainees attending MAP training conducted by the College
26
List of MAPs in CHF herbal garden Sl.

No.
Common
Name
Botanical name
Parts use
Uses
Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus
Rhizome
Digestive problems, Carminative, Expectorant,

Sedative etc.
Pilabhangara
Widelia chinensis
Leaves
Dyeing hair, Coughs, Skin diseases, Alopecia etc.
Chameleon
Houttuynia cordata
Whole plant
Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Diuretic, Laxative

etc.
Spearmint
Mentha spicata
Leaves
Bronchitis, Gastritis, Common cold, Anti-spasmodic,

Carminative etc.
Peppermint
Mentha piperita
Leaves
Gastro-esophageal problems, Insecticide etc.
Kalmegh
Andrographis
paniculata
Whole Plant
Anti-typhoid, Anti-pyretic, Hepato-protective etc.
Musli
Chlorophytum
arundinaceum
Tuberous
Roots
Aphrodisiac, Tonic, Cure general debility, Impotency

etc.
Safed Musli
Chlorophytum
borivilianum
Tuberous
root
Immunity-improvement, diabetes and arthritis, etc.
PatharChoor
Coleus aromaticus
Leaves
Bronchitis, Asthma, Epilepsy, Indigestion, Cough etc.
10
Coleous
Coleus forskohlii
Roots
Heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia

and convulsions, etc.
11
Ghritkumari
Aloe vera
Leaves
Piles, Stomach problems, Cosmetics etc.
12
Chandramula
Kaempferia galanga
Rhizome
Indigestion, Cold, Pectoral etc.
13
BlackTurmeric
Curcuma caesia
Rhizome
Tonic, Carminative, Antidote, Astringent etc.
14
Haldi
Curcuma longa
Rhizome
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antibacterial etc.
15
Lajwanti
Mimosa pudica
Leaves
Hydrocele, Piles, Boils, jaundice etc.
16
Ram Tulsi
Ocimum
gratissimum
Whole plant
Cough, Cold, Fever etc.
17
Bhringraj
Eclipta prostrata
Aerial Parts
Hair tonic, Asthma, Bronchitis, etc.
18
False daisy
Eclipta alba
Leaves, stem,
roots, seeds
Headache, growth of hair, pain in ear.
19
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe pinnata
Leaves
Dysentery, Fresh cuts, Burns etc.
Achyranthes aspera
Whole plant
Dropsy, Piles, Skin-sores, Purify blood etc.
Phyllanthus amarus
Whole plant
Diabetes, Hepato-protective, Antiviral etc.
23
Baby Rubber
Plant
Peperomia
pellucida
Whole plant
Febrifuge, Abdominal pain, Wounds etc.
24
Bishops weed
Ammi majus
Root and Leaf
Diuretic and sedative, etc.
25
Birthworts
Aristolchia
bracteata
Root extract
Gastric stimulant, cancer, lung inflammation,

dysentery and snike bites
26
Shalaparni
Desmodium
gangeticum
Root
Cardiac-protective, Anti-pyretic, Digestive,

Galactatgogue.
27
Hoary Basil
Ocimum canum
shoot
Fresh shoot crused and applied on forehead against

fever
28
Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
(reddish)
shoot
Fresh shoot crused and applied on forehead against

fever
29
Sacred Basil
Ocimum santum
(common tulsi)
Shoot and
leaves
Menstrual disorder, cough and fever, etc.
27
Latjira
BhuiAmla

20
21

30
Landcalotrops
Tribulus terrestris
Fruit, leaves
and root
Urinary disorder, kidney diseases, indigestion,

chronic cough, kidney stones, impotence, heart
disease, etc.
31
Psoralea Seed
Psorallea corlyfolia
Seeds, Roots
and Fruits
Skin disorder, febrile diseases, premature

ejaculation, impotence, lower back pains, kidney
disorder, lumbago, etc.
32
Broom grass,
Broom weed
Sida acuta
Root and
Leaves
Hemorrhoids, fever, impotency, as tonic, gonorrhea,

rheumatism, stomachic, antipyretic, etc.
33
Country
Mallow
Sida cordifolia
Whole Plant
Rheumatism, heart problems, elephantiasis, fever

and cold, hemiplegia, obesity, etc.
34
Wild Mallow
Sida rhombifolia
Root
Pain, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, burning sensation,

and urinary retention, etc.
35
Cats Claw
Martynia annua
Root, Leaf,
Stem
Snakebite, epilepsy, tuberculosis, sorethroat, etc
36
Malabar
catmint
Anisomeles indica
Seed
Appetizer
37
St. Marys
thistle, Milk
thistle
Silybum marianum
Fruits
Jaundice, hepatitis B and C, spleen and kidney

disorder, cervical cancer, breast and postrate cancer,
etc.
38
Hemp
Cannabis sativa
Shoot, tender
leaf
Dysentery, bleeding piles
39
Mexican tea
Chenopodium
ambrosiodes
Essential oil
Gout and skin diseases
40
Nut grass
Cyperus rotundus
Fresh
rhizome
Cough, fever and dyspepsia
41
Asthma weed
Euphorbia hirta
Leaf, plant,
shoot
Skin disease, mouth sore, asthma etc.
42
Water-hyssop
Bacopa monnieri
Leaf
Sexual weakness, health tonic, hair growth
43
Country
Gooseberry
Physalis minima
Whole plant
Burning sensation, hepatitis, splenomegaly, ascites,

ulcer, sexual weakness and cough, etc
44
Black
Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
Fruits, Whole
plants
Fever, diabetes, jaundice, skin problems, tumors,

wounds, etc.
45
Centella, Gotu
kola
Centella asiatica
Leaves and
stems
Venous insufficiency, wound healing, anxiety, colds,

fever, stomach ulcer, scars, etc.
46
Burma
Agrimony
Eupatorium
birmanicum
Leaf
Burning sensation, leucorrhea, stomach ulcers, etc.
47
Hill gynura
Gynura cusimbua
Stem, leaves
Fresh wound to stop bleeding and healing,

headache, sedative drug, fever, diarrhea and
vomiting, etc
48
Tumbe
Leucas aspera
Leaves,
flowers
Inflammation, skin diseases, worm infestation,

arthristis, cough, amenorrhea, intermittent fever,
migraine and ulcer.
49
Lemon balm,
balm mint
Melissa officinalis
Leaves, fresh
and dried
Mild sedative, anxiety and insomnia, gas and

indigestion, cold sores, etc.
50
Sweet leaf
Stevia rebaudina
Leaves
Lower blood sugar, etc.
51
Prickly Poppy
Argemone
Mexicana
Whole plant
An infusion is made to relieve kidney pain, to

help expel a torn placenta, sedative and analgesic
tea, including for use to help alleviate migraine
headaches, etc.
28
52
Chamomile
Matricaria
chammomila
Whole Plant
Headaches, anxiety, and hysteria, indigestion,

gastritis, excessive gas, abdominal bloating, colic,
hernia, peptic ulcer, easing menstrual pain, hay fever
and asthma,allergies, sore skin and eczema, etc.
53
Clara
Salvia scleria
The herb and

leaves, both
fresh and dry.
Antispasmodic, balsamic, carminative, tonic,

aromatic, aperitive, astringent and pectoral.
54
Clara
Salvia scleria
The herb and

leaves, both
fresh and dry.
Antispasmodic, balsamic, carminative, tonic,

aromatic, aperitive, astringent and pectoral.
55
Mishmi
Coptis teeta
rhizome
antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
Shrubs
1
Dhutura
Datura stramonium
Thorn apple
Datura metel
Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Roots &
Leaves
Congo Jute
Urena lobata
Whole plant
Urinary disorder etc.
Vasak
Adhatoda vasica
Whole plant
Cough, Rheumatism, Antiseptic, Dysentery etc.
Cocklebur
Xanthium
strumarium
Leaves
Fever, Cough etc.
Smaller
Galangal
Alpinia calcarata
Rhizome
Bronchial catarrh, Stomach complaints, Cold etc.
Dried
rhizome
Intestinal worms, fever, cough, excessive body

temperature, dyspepsia, etc.
Lesser galangal Alpinia officiniarum
Leaves &
Seeds
Anti-spasmodic, Muscles sprain, Dysentery, sedative

etc.
Leaf and seed Anti-spasmodic, Anodyne, Emetic, Anti-inflammatory

Astringent, Aphrodisiac, Diuretic, Tonic etc.
Alpinia galangal
Rhizome
Abortifacient, Carminative, Eczema, Ringworm etc.
10
Chitrak
Plumbago
zeylanica
Roots, Barks
& Leaves
Intestinal troubles, Dysentery, Leucoderma, Piles etc.
11
Sadabahar
Catharanthus
roseus
Leaves &
Roots
Leukaemia and lymphoma, Hypotensive, Diabetes

etc.
12
Sarpagandha
Rauvolfia
serpentine
Roots &
Leaves
Tonic, Cure Diarrhea, Dysentery, Fever, General

debility etc.
13
Musk Dana
Abelmoschus
moschatus
Seeds &
Roots
Anti-spasmodic, Carminative, Aphrodisiac
14
East Indian
Glory
Clerodendrum
colebrookianum
Leaves
Blood pressure, Skin diseases, Cough, Dysentery etc.
15
Hill glory
bower
Clerodendrum
viscosum
Tender Leaf
Diabetes and regulation of blood pressure.
16
Satawar
Asparagus
racemosus
Tuberous
Roots
Anodyne, Aphrodisiac, Galactogogue etc.
17
Balbalusa
Solanum torvum
Fruit
Cough and tonsillitis
18
Tropical Soda
Apple
Solanum viarum
Fruit
Anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic
19
Kamal Cactus
Agave americana
Leaves
Digestive ailments, Ulcers, Jaundice, Liver diseases

etc.
20
Sweet
wormwood
Artimessia annua
Dried Leaves
Antibacterial; Antiperiodic; Antiseptic; Carminative;

Digestive; Febrifuge.
29
Greater
Galangal

21
Red sorrel
Hibiscus subdariffa
Leaf, Floral
parts
Dyspepsia and stomach disorder
23
Senna sophera
Cassia sophera
Root bark
Common cold, asthma, osteoarthritis, allergic

rhinitis, etc.
24
Candle Bush
Cassia alba
Leaves
Skin diseases etc.
25
Ghandi root
Homolomena
aromatica
26
Phlogacanthus
Phlogacanthus
jenkinsii
Shoot, leaf
and plant
extract
Cough and fever, Dyspepsia and control liver

enlargement
27
Phlogacanthus
Phlogacanthus
thyrsiflorus
Leaf, shoot,
inflorescence
Cough and fever, stomach ulcer, intestinal order,

muscular sprain
28
Goatweed
Ageratum
conyzoides
Fruit, leaf and

root
Stomach ulcer, dyspepsia, dysentery, excessive

menstrual discharge
29
Whipcord
Cobra lily
Arisaema
tortuosum
Roots
Vermifuge, wounds in cattle, snake bite.
30
Ginger lily
Hedychium
coronarium
Fresh
rhizome
Cough, fever and dizziness.
31
Devils
Tongue
Amorphophalous
bulbifer
Bulbils and
rhizome
Muscular rheumatism and joint pain, antidote in

animal bite.
Rhizomes
Antifungal activity against dermatophytes and yeasts,
(Essential Oil)
etc.

Climbers / Vines/ Creepers

1
Yam
Dioscorea
floribunda
Tuber
Cooling, Aphrodisiac, Anthelmintic, Diuretic, Tonic

etc.
Purple yam,
greater yam
Dioscorea alata
Tuber
Hemorrhoids, leprosy, intestinal worms, seminal

weakness, post ,enopausal syndrome, etc.
Air yam,
Potato yam
Dioscorea bulbifera
Tuber,Plant
Conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dysentery, etc.
Elephants foot
Dioscorea
elephantipes
Tuber
Healing, etc.
Yam
Dioscorea
pentaphylla
Tuber, Plant
Tonic, used in swelling, rheumatism, dropsy,

anasarca, etc.
Asiatic bitter
yam
Dioscorea triphylla
Tuber
Abdominal spasms and colic, to remove pus from

wounds, clear melasma, etc.
Balloon Vine
Cardiospermum
helicabum
Leaf, floral
parts
Applied on fresh injuries, boils
Indian Jalab
Operculina
turpethum
Root
Constipation, ascites, myalgia, arthritis,

inflammation, fever, pruritus, skin diseases,
hemorrhoids, jaundice and tumors, etc.
Giloe
Tinospora crispa
Whole plant
Bitter tonic, antipyretic and oral hypoglycemic agent
10
Saboo Leard
Stephania rotunda
Plants part
Bandage in muscular sprain
11
Elephant
creeper
Argyreia nervosa
Root
Uterine problems, painful urination, colic,

abdominal pain, swelling of intestine, chest
congestion, boils, rheumatic and muscular pains.
12
Veldt Grape
or Devil's
Backbone
Cissus
quadrangularis
Leaf and stem
Tonic, analgesic, heal broken bones, antibacterial,

antifungal, antioxidant, etc.
30
13
Aparajita
Clitoria ternatea
(blue)
Root, leaves,
seeds
Migraine, skin diseases, bronchitis, asthma,

tuberculosis, ulcers and fever, abdominal cramps,
etc.
14
Aparajita
Clitoria ternatea
(white)
Root, leaves,
seeds
Migraine, skin diseases, bronchitis, asthma,

tuberculosis, ulcers and fever, abdominal cramps,
etc.
15
Common
cowitch,
cowhage
Macuna pruriens
Fruits, leaves,
seeds, hairs.
Constipation, impotency, Parkinsonism, kidney

diseases, neuropathy, worm infestations, fever and
general debility.
16
Stinkvine
Paederia foetida
Roots, leaves
Emetic, emollient, carminative, tonic, etc.
17
Tar vine
Boerhavia diffusa
Root, leaves
and seeds.
Biliousness, blood impurities, leucorrhoea, anaemia,

inflammations, heart diseases, asthma, dyspepsia,
tumours, spleen enlargement, abdominal pains,
appetizer, alexiteric, joint pains, lumbago, scabies,
blood purifier, etc.
18
Malabar glory
lily
Gloriosa superva
Tubers,
leaves,
flowers
Ulcer, leprosy, piles, inflammations, abdominal

pains, itching and thirst.
19
Kumarika
Smilax ovifolia
Root tubers
Skin disease
20
Sarsaparilla,
Common
smilax
Smilax aspera
Ripe fruit,
root
Demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic,

stimulant and tonic, treatment of scabies
Trees
1
Andaliman
Zanthoxylum
acanthopodium
Fruit , seed
and Leaves
Boils in mouth, mouth ulcer, respiratory problem,

bad breath, chronic fever, indigestion, cough and
bronchitis
Arjuna, White
Murdah
Terminalia arjuna
Leaves, Bark
Anti-oxidant, heart disease, asthma, dysentery,

earech, etc.
Yellow
Trumpetbush
Tecoma stans
Root
Powerful diuretic, vermifuge and tonic, remedy for

snake and rat bite and for scorpion sting.
Terminalia chebula
Bombax ceiba
Bark
Skin disease, increase fertility
Bastard
myrobalan
Terminalia bellerica
Fruits, husk
Asthma, cough, piles, eye disorders, and as a

purgative that helps removing toxins and fats from
the body, healing wounds and scalds, and gargled as
mouth wash.
Flame of the
forest
Butea monosperma
Flowers,
Seed, Gum
Diarrhea, dysentery, ringworms, for killing maggots

in wounds and sores, leucorrhoea, diabetes, etc.
Yellow
Oleander
Thevetia neriifolia
Root and fruit
Skin disease, regular menstrual flow, etc.
Bauhinia tenuiflora
Bark
Leprosy, dysentery, applied on poisonous bites
10
9
Ashoka tree
Saraca asoca
Flower, bark
Gynecological problems, abnormal blood pressure
11
Drum stick
Moringa olleifera
Leaf
Ear-ache
12
Beal tree
Aegle marmelos
Fruit, leaf and

root
Stomach ulcer, dyspepsia, dysentery, excessive

menstrual discharge
13
Yellow-berried
nightshade
Solanum
xanthocarpum
Fruit, whole
plants
Cough, fever, dysentery and dyspepsia.
14
Sinduri
Bixa orellana
Seed, Leaves
& Roots
Fever, Epilepsy, Dysentery, General antidote etc.
31
Myrobalan
Silk cotton tree

4
5
15
Indian
Olibanum
Boswellia serrata
Extract
Analgesic, anti-Inflammatory, etc.
16
Currry leaf tree
Murraya koenigii
Root, bark,
leaves
Burning sensation, pruritis, skin diseases, anorexia,

dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, dysentery,
vomiting, stomatis and ulcers, etc.
17
Sandal wood
Santalum album
Heart wood,
roots
Antibacterial, sedative, stimulant, antiseptic, diuretic,

etc.
18
Black cutch,
Catechu
Acacia catechu
Bark
High blood pressure, leucorrhoea, diarrhea,

dysentery, leprosy, colitis, gastritis, bronchitis and
cough, and also gargled for gingivitis, toothache,
sore throat and mouth infections, etc.
19
Karanda
Carrisa congesta
Fruit, Leaf,
Root, Bark
Astringent, remedy for biliousness, intermittent fever,

diarrhea, oral inflammation and earache, etc.
20
Guggul
Commiphora
wighti
Resin
Reduce weight, arthritis, chronic inflammatory

conditions, hemorrhoids, whooping cough, lower
bad cholesterol, etc.
21
Soap nut tree
Sapindus laurifolia
Root, Bark,
Fruit
Migraine, hysteria, epilepsy, ulcers, asthma,

diarrhea, lumbago and stomach pain, etc.
22
Custard Apple
Annona reticulata
23
Common Yew
Taxus baccata
Fruits, seeds, Constipation, burning sensation, anemia, vomiting,

Roots, Leaves cough, malignancy and general tonic, purgative, kills
body and hair lice on external application.
fleshy fruit,
leaves
Antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diaphoretic,

emmenagogue, expectorant, narcotic and purgative,
treatment of asthma, bronchitis, hiccup, indigestion,
rheumatism and epilepsy.

Aromatic Plants
1
Lemon grass
Cymbopogon
flexosus
Essential oil
Healing, reduce scratches on skin
Palmarosa
Cymbopogon
martini
Essential oil
Antiseptic, antiviral, bactericide, digestive, febrifuge

hydrating and cosmetic uses
Citronella
Cymbopogon
winterianis
Leaf
Vertigo, cold and cough
Patchouli
Pogostemon cablin
Stem, Leaves,
oil
It is a stimulant, repellent, antidote, anti-bacterial

and antifungal, constipation, depression, chronic
fatigue, certain skin conditions including eczema,
acne, athletes foot, dandruff, menstrual problems,
abdominal pains, diarrhea, bad-breath, coughs and
headaches, etc.
Conclusion
Unscrupulous and injudicious collection and procurement of MAPs from the wild is rampant
nowadays, which result in the threatening and near extinct of many species. The need of the
hour is the in situ or ex situ conservation of the locally available species in this region before it
is too late. Governmental and non-governmental organization should work hand in hand for an
immediate action.

For Further detail please log into- http://www.herbalgardenindia.org/
32
Overview on medicinal plants sector in Tripura

Shri P. Bhattacharjee, TFS,
DCF, Research Division & CEO, MPBT
Medicinal Plants Board of Tripura (MPBT) is an autonomous organization registered under
Societies Registration Act, 1860 and since its inception in the year 2002, various projects funded
by National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi (NMPB) regarding in-situ, ex-situ conservation
of local medicinal plants as well as for commercial cultivation of medicinal plants had been
implemented by MPBT through the territorial Forest Divisions of the Forest Department, Govt. of
Tripura.
Medicinal plant species cultivated in Tripura : MPBT had documented 266 species of medicinal
plants in Tripura, out of which the following are suitable for cultivation and income generation.
Sl. No.
Medicinal Species suitable for

cultivation in Tripura
Harvest / yield
period
Estimated production /
ha (in M.T)
Estimated
income / ha
(in Lakhs
After 10 years
200 (Dried wood)
2.00
Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
After 15 years
60 (Dried bark)
5.00
Ashok (Saraca asoca)
After 15 years
50 (Dried bark)
10.00
Bahera(Terminalia bellerica)
After 10 years
40 (Dried fruit)
2.00
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
After 10 years
40 (Dried fruit)
2.00
Amla (Emblica officinalis)
After 10 years
50 (Dried fruit)
3.00
Gamar(Gmelina arborea)
After 10 years
80 (Dried root)
8.00
Sajna(Moringa oleifera)
After 5 years
60 (Green fruit)
6.00
Bael (Aegle marmelos)
After 10 years
50 (Green fruit)
0.50
10
Gandhaki (Homalomena aromatica)
After 3 years
45 (Dried rhizome)
4.50
11
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
After 3 months
25 (Dried whole plant)
0.75
12
Satamuli (Asparagus racemosus)
After 3 years
50 (Dried tuber)
4.00
Commercial venture :
From the cultivation efforts of medicinal plant species by MPBT under funding from NMPB
during the year 2008 to 2011, Gamar seeds amounting to 1,513 Kg was marketed by MPBT to
Oushadhi Pharmaceuticals, Kerala and Rs. 3,78,250 was earned by the beneficiaries from the
sale proceeds.
During the year 2011 to 2014, Kalmegh amounting to 984 Kg was marketed by MPBT and Rs.
33,209 was earned by the beneficiaries from the sale proceeds.
This effort of MPBT had also helped in generating awareness among the rural people specially
forest dwellers to take interest in cultivating medicinal plants for their livelihood.
33
Agar (Aquilaria agallocha)

Satamuli plantation at Ambassa Division
Kalmegh Plantation at Manu Division
Harvesting of Kalmegh by beneficiaries
Harvesting of Gandhaki at Churaibari JFMC of Kailashahar Division

Projects related to plantation and value addition of medicinal plants undertaken

by MPBT under funding from NMPB, New Delhi :
Sl.
No.
Project title
Project period
Activity
Man days (in Nos) /

Income generated
(in Lakhs)
Remarks
Conservation &
development of
medicinal plants
in Tripura through
community
participation
2008-09 to 2013-14
175 ha of
plantation
39,690 Man days
Agar, Arjun,
Bahera, Amla,
Neem, Ashok etc.
National Mission on
medicinal plants in
Tripura
2011-12 to till date
6 Nos of
Model
Nurseries
45,160 Man days
141 ha of
plantation
30,291 Man days
Conservation,
development &
sustainable management
of medicinal plants in
Tripura
34
(Rs. 44.64 Lakhs)
(Rs.55.99 Lakhs)
(Rs.37.56 Lakhs)
6 Lakh Nos.
seedlings (QPM)
of medicinal
species raised.
Agar, Ashok,
Kalmegh and
Satamuli.
Conservation &
development of
medicinal plants in
Tripura
200 ha of
plantation
29,318 Man days

(Rs.39.58 Lakhs)
Agar, Ashok,
Hartaki, Amla,
Arjun, Bael etc.
Conservation and
development and
resource augmentation
of medicinal tree
species in Tripura
2014-15 onwards
Preparatory
works for
190 ha of
plantation
Work is under
progress
Agar, Ashok,
Arjun, Sajna,
Amla, Amra.
Nageshwar etc.
Support to JFMC for

value addition (Setting
up of Distillation Unit)
2014-15 onwards
3 Nos of
Distillation
Units
Work is under
progress
Value addition
of Gandhaki in
JFMC areas.
Nation wide Amla

campaign.
50,000 nos of
Amla QPM
2,480 Man days
Public distribution
of Amla QPM
and awareness
programme.
(Rs. 4.39 Lakhs)
Capacity building :
MPBT had also conducted training and workshops
for farmers, cultivators and Joint Forest Management
Committee (JFMC) members and participated in
Arogya Mela, 2010; Science Fair, 2009 and Foliage
Show, 2014 etc. to create awareness regarding
cultivation of medicinal plants and for in-situ and exsitu conservation of valuable medicinal plant resources
and their sustainable management.
MPBT had also conducted national level workshop
on Importance of traditional medicines in health care
National level workshop conducted by MPBT
management during 2014 for documentation of the
knowledge of the traditional medicinal practitioners of Tripura resulting into formation of the
Tripura Kaviraj Sangha.
35

Linkages with health care & Eco-tourism : Panchakarma experience

Panchakarma therapy a traditional indigenous system
of treatment procedure, which is a glory of Ayurveda
system is made available to the people of Tripura at
Panchakarma Research and Training Centre, Hatipara
(PRTCT) and at Sepahijala under the supervision of
highly qualified Ayurvedic doctors to cater the needs
of health care. This purification system of Ayurveda is
beneficial to both healthy and diseased persons and it
was popularized by MPBT in Tripura from 2009.
Till date above 5,000 number of patients have
Panchakarma treatment given to patients at PRTCT,
undertaken treatment at these centres, most of whom
Agartala
are suffering from old aged diseases. In fact Tripura is
the pioneer in North Eastern States to promote this system of Ayurveda.
Revenue to the tune of Rs. 13.89 Lakhs had been generated at these centres till March, 2014
from the fees collected from the patients apart from providing employment to the rural youth.
Key issues facing the Medicinal Plants Sector

Meenakshi Negi, CEO, NMPB
Medicinal Plants is both an ancient sector as well as a sunrise sector. While it provides diverse
opportunities to the country it is also faced with cross cutting issues which are dealt by different
agencies from both Government and non-governmnet. A lot of synergy is already happening
with various agencies both in and outside the government sector, however a lot more still needs
to be done. To achieve such synergy, the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) was set up
under a Government Resolution notified under the Chairmanship of the union Health Minister
in November 2000 and is mandated to coordinate all matters related to medicinal plants. To
this end the NMPB has been collaborating with the relevant agencies who have a stake in the
medicinal plants sector, like the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Central Council
for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education
(ICFRE) and their Research Institutions, State Forest Departments, NGOs, Universities, Industry
and other stakeholders.
The key issues facing the medicinal plants sector toady are availability, sustainability, quality,
trade, livelihoods, regulations etc. Each one of these impacts the sector in different ways and each
one needs to be properly addressed not only to achieve holistic growth but also to realise Indias
full potential and attain a globally pre-eminent position in the sector.

Some of the issues facing the Medicinal Plants Sector and measures being taken to deal with
them
i. Availability of medicinal plants is the single biggest challenge facing the world today. The
rate at which species are facing extinction due to factors like biotic and abiotic pressures on
forests, diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes and climatic change, it is extremely
important to take corrective steps to ensure sustained availability of resources. If medicinal
plants cease to be available then the entire superstructure of Traditional medicine, modern
cosmetics, nutraceuticals and even several modern drugs will come crumbling down. The issue
of availability brings with it the attendant concerns of sustainability. Unless we harvest herbs in
a sustainable manner they will soon become unavailable with disastrous consequences. Thus
availability and sustainability need to be taken together.
The NMPB has been striving to shift sourcing of medicinal plants from wild areas to cultivated
sources. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants
subsidy is provided to farmers for cultivation of certain prioritized species on their lands with
backward and forward linkages. The scheme has been under implementation since 200809 and so far about 1.8 lakh hectares of farmers lands have been covered. Apart from this
under the Central Sector Scheme for Conservation and Sustainable Development of Medicinal
Plants, thrust is provided to in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal plants. This is mainly
done through State Forest Departments. So far about 69000 ha. have been brought under
conservation efforts including improvement planting and 87 MPCAs. Besides this a network
of more than 360 herbal gardens have been established across the country, as part of Ex-situ
conservation efforts
36
37

ii. Quality- Next to availability the most important aspect relevant to medicinal plants is their
quality. It being largely a perishable commodity quality deterioration starts almost immediately
after harvest especially in case of herbs and shrubs. Maintaining Quality at every step in the
value chain is extremely important. After all, the quality of the final product can only be
as good as, the quality of the raw material that goes into making that product. This raises
issues of capacity building of all stakeholders in the supply chain starting from, collectors and
cultivators to raw material handlers who are responsible for transport, intermediate storage
and packaging, to retailers in herbal mandis to the manufactures. There needs to be quality
consciousness at every level and strict adherence to quality parameters as laid down in the
concerned pharmacopoeias.
To this end NMPB has started a major initiative involving Joint Forest Management Committee/
Self Help Groups and other similar collectives for proper drying, storage and primary processing
of fresh produce at their doorsteps so as to ensure quality assurance. NMPB in collaboration
with the Quality Council of India is piloting has launched a quality certification initiative on
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Field Collection Practices (GFCP) for medicinal
plants.
iii. Livelihood linkages- Medicinal plants have the potential of generating 100 million man days
of employment annually (Negi et. al). Further, the fringe areas of rich biodiversity sites are
inhabited by the poorest of the poor, whose incomes can be augmented by a comprehensive
strategy aimed at capacity building, provision of value addition facilities and structuring an
interface between the community and industry. NMPB has supported projects for providing
value addition infrastructure and capacity to peoples collectives like Joint Forest Management
Committees (JFMCs), Bio Diversity Management Committees (BMCs), SHGs etc. So far 1049
JFMCs/Panchayats/ BMCs have been supported under this initiative. This is an important
measure towards income augmentation of the producers of medicinal plants raw material.
NMPB is also in touch with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) of the Ministry of
Rural Development to forge synergy between initiatives of NMPB and NRLM.
iv. Trade- Trade is the biggest driver of overall growth in the sector. Globally there is an increasing
demand for raw material. As per DGCIS data as a net exporter of herbals including medicaments,
extracts and raw herbs, India ranks as the top most exporter in the world. Even so the fact
remains that our exports are largely on account of raw material and very little goes out as
finished products, which means that a large part of the revenue accrues to those intermediate
countries who are adding value to the raw material. Further, there are a number of nontariff barriers being brought in by countries in the guise of excessive quality parameters. This
constant shifting of the goal post has to be taken up in bilateral as well as multilateral trade
forums by India so as to enable domestic companies to get a global foothold.
v. R&D- The requirement of modern industry is for medicinal plants which have the maximum
concentration of the active ingredients. Apart from this, there are global demands for validation
of therapeutic effects of these plants. Hence, there is a need for scaling up R&D efforts in the
sector. Towards this end, agencies like the CSIR, ICAR, ICMR, DBT and DST are funding of lot
of R&D work on medicinal plants. The NMPB too has funds under the Central Sector Scheme
for funding R&D in medicinal plants. So far 272 R&D projects have been supported by NMPB
on topics like molecular and chemical profiling, bioactive guided fractionation studies, GAP,
PHM, QPM especially for RET species etc. The agro techniques published by NMPB on 82
species are a result of some of this R&D work.
vi. Regulations- For all this to actually come together i.e. conservation, cultivation, quality

assurance and trade there is a need to harmonise regulations both within the country as well
as globally. One example of domestic regulations impeding utilisation of medicinal plants is
the transit permit required for transporting forest produce (including medicinal plants). There
are wide variations between these rules form state to state so that inter-state movement of such
goods is riddled with delays leading to quality deterioration. The issue needs to be closely
looked into as complete de-regulation also has its pitfalls of increased plunder from wild areas.
The NMPB, Department of AYUSH has tried to identify other barriers thatlead to constricting of
growth of Medicinal Plants and structural measures are being taken to overcome such barriers.
NMPB has headed a Core Expert Group in the National Biodiversity Authority for chalking out
pragmatic Access and Benefit Sharing Guidelines under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.It
is however, felt that the provisions under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Rules need to
be reviewed and urgently rationalised. Items used in AYUSH preparations (other than those
specifically not exempted on account of the sustainability considerations of the concerned
species) could be exempted by reviewing the present notifications under section 40 of the
Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
These are issues which all the sectoral stakeholders need to tackle collectively, in order to
raise the global footprint of, not only Indian medicinal plants but also our traditional systems
of medicine, which are largely based on these plants.
38
How standard certification in trade of medicinal and

aromatic plants can lead to ecological and economic
success in a transiting economy
Shekhar Kumar Niraj, Mohnish Kapoor
TRAFFIC India, C/O WWF-India
172-B, Lodi Estate
New Delhi-110003 New Delhi
Introduction
Medicinal and aromatic plants are useful resources but like many other forms of biodiversity,
are threatened by exploitation and unsustainable usage. Despite a prominent history of medicinal
plants in India, the industry has not been able to develop an ecologically and socially responsible
representation owing to growing demand of these plants. The total global herbal drug market is
estimated at US $62 billion and is expected to grow to US $5 trillion by the year 2050 (Joshi et
al. 2004). The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PEPCI) estimated the export
value for herbals and finished dosage forms in 2011-12, belonging to the systems of Ayurveda,
Homeopathy and Siddha, stood at USD 348 million, showing a growth of 16.5%. The World
Health Organisation (WHO) states that approximately 70-80% of the global population relies on
traditional herbal-based medicines to meet their primary health care needs. Approximately 25%
of drugs are acquired from plants and many others are synthetic analogues built on prototype
compounds isolated from plant species in modern pharmacopoeia (Rao et al. 2004). Approximately
25000 plant based formulations are available in the indigenous medical texts (Gupta et al. 2004).
In context to this around 7500 species of plants are known for medicinal use (Pushpangandhan
1995) which is 44 per cent of the total floral diversity within the Indian territory.
39

Almost 90% of the collection of medicinal plants is from the wild (Planning Commission
2000). In India around 315 of the 6560 known medicinal species are threatened with extinction
(Sharrock et al. 2014, CBD 2014). Lack of scientific knowledge and awareness related to medicinal
plant conservation leads to exploitative collection that takes place without giving any importance
to the replacement rate and threshold collection quantity. In such a scenario, which also includes
a dearth of scientific monitoring tools, indiscriminate collection from the wild is depleting the
plant sources and threatening survival of many plant species. Due to improper storage facilities
and procedures, the quality of the product is deteriorated which further leads to unsustainable
economic losses. Clandestinely driven exploitative marketing has deprived Medicinal Aromatic
Plant (MAP) gatherers from obtaining appropriate remuneration (Verma 1998). Majority of trade
from the wild is done by collectors having meager sources of alternate income, thus without
proper knowledge of the market rate of finished product and supply chain management, the raw
material is procured at a relatively low cost, which is a major challenge for attaining equitable
economic benefit sharing.

Standard and certification schemes in medicinal plants

Traditional users lay emphasis on good practices of collection, storage and maintenance for
better quality of medicine prepared from plants. However, with growth of the pharmaceutical
industry and mounting inclination for herbal and organic products, rapid diminution of natural
MAP resources necessitates development and implementation of sustainability standards and
certification procedures (Bhattacharya et al. 2008). In the absence of a standard system of
certification, including verification and quality control, the source, trade routes and harvesting
procedures are unclear. This issue is further accentuated by non-uniform transit formalities and
tax structure across different states and major wholesale markets. In recent times, a number of
organisations have endeavored to develop standards and good practices for MAPs. The WHO
Guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for Medicinal Plants provides a
model for guiding national and regional strategies. Other examples include guidelines developed
by the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) for collection of wild plants to be marketed as
organic (Muller and Durbeck 2005, Bhattacharya et al. 2008). In order to strengthen stakeholder
engagement and safeguard medicinal plant resources, ISSC-MAP was developed from 2004-2007
by a joint initiative of the Bundesamt fr Naturschutz (BfN) (German Federal Agency for Nature
Conservation), TRAFFIC, WWF and IUCN. In October 2008, the four founding institutions of
ISSC-MAP signed an agreement to endorse global implementation of the Standard through the
FairWild Foundation. ISSC-MAP has become the ecological module of the FairWild Standard,
which also measures social and economic components of the harvest and trade of wild plants via
a framework of principles and criteria (TRAFFIC 2010). In India, applying certification to MAPs is
a relatively recent phenomenon. In 2001, WWF India studied applicability of Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) principles to three medicinal plants on forest land in Himachal Pradesh (Rastogi
and Pant 2004). A project, sponsored by the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) and the
International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in one district of Chhattisgarh, developed
some broad standards for good collection practices, including specific collection and harvesting
standards for 10 species (Katiyar 2007).
Implementation of FairWild standards in Western Ghats
TRAFFIC has been associated with co-partners Applied Environmental Research Foundation
(AERF) for the assessment and preparation of resource inventory of the species and development
of the resources map of the targeted medicinal plants (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica
and Tinosporia cordifolia). In 2007, AERF offered financial incentives to economically weaker
farmers by the way of signing conservation agreements for not logging forests for a time period
ranging between five to ten years. Through this approach, AERF secured almost 2000 acres
of forests till 2020. But in order to address socio-economic security to sustain the initiative, a
revenue model was needed for promoting sustainable collection. The incentive for the study
was provided by the dynamic involvement from Pukka Herbs Ltd, a UK manufacturer of herbal
teas and medicinal health products, whose interest in purchasing organic and FairWild-certified
primary processed fruits of Terminalia bellirica and T. chebula helped AERF to shortlist two sites
for possible implementation of the FairWild certification.
After assessing the potential benefits to conservation and rural livelihoods in these areas, AERF
started initial work towards the FairWild certification using on hand resources. In June 2013,
TRAFFIC India and AERF collaborated on promotion of FairWild approach in Western Ghats with
monetary support from Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University
of Kent, and Pukka Herbs Ltd., followed by a grant from the Keidanren Nature Conservation
40
Fund (KNCF), to promote the FairWild approach. Till date, several capacity building programmes
involving the community have been conducted along with situation analysis. To substantiate
sustainable collection, a technological gap was filled by purchasing solar dryers for drying fresh
harvested fruits and de-stoning machines. The first FairWild certification audit in India for the
project is scheduled in 2015. To expand the revenue cycle, domestic engagement was made with
a leading export company; PHALADA Agro Research Foundation Pvt. Ltd. which issued a letter of
intent for purchase of 1 ton of certified fruits of Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica each
in July 2014.
Project impacts
The project has been significant in achieving positive economic and ecological outcomes.
The people belonging to Mahadev Kohli tribe, are now aware about the true potential and scale
of mainstream economy associated with these plants. Capacity building programs as well as
documentation required for FairWild and organic certification has stimulated the communities to
maintain official records of their lands and claim to the ownership of the trees on their land. As
for the supporting industry, Pukka Herbs won the prestigious 2degrees Champions Sustainability
Award in July 2014 and thus building a positive brand value for the company apart from becoming
a pioneering model for FairWild certification in India. The project has been beneficial for
safeguarding significant nesting sites of Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) and the
great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) by promoting economic benefits associated with the collection of
fruits rather than cutting down Terminalia bellerica trees in the study area. The project showcases
the importance of certification system in supporting and involving stakeholders throughout the
supply and demand chain (Fig. 1). While, the communities benefit from better remuneration
and sustainable harvest, the industries gain recognition and a sustainably streamlined production
chain while the consumers obtain superior quality products as well as garner knowledge about the
sustainability parameters and their impact on the community, livelihoods and biodiversity.
Equitable sharing of benefits, better
knowledge of mainstream economy,
sustainable harvest, ownership record.
Community
Industry
Consumer
Safe and good quality product, better

knowledge about trade impact on
species and ecosystem, better health
impacts.
Figure 1. Stakeholder benefits arising due to standards and certification schemes for MAPs
41
Biodiversity
Streamlined and sustainable

production chain, recognition,
source of origin and market
chain is well documented,
quality control, augmenting
buyer trust and demand.

Landscape conservation,
associated faunal and floral
species, and resource
sustainability.
Future implications
While, support from major global industries on promotion of standards and certificates can be
beneficial for long term conservation of medicinal plants, it is also important to involve domestic
producers and pharmacies dealing with plant based products to purchase certified products.
The state and central government agencies must utilise principles, criteria and guidelines stated
in global standards, such as FairWild in strategic planning and policy development related to
MAPs. Research and monitoring organisations must evaluate success, challenges and feasibility
of application of certification schemes at the regional level and prepare domestic guidelines
on collection depending on species, trade dynamics, status and regional level socio-economic
linkages. The existing legal and policy measures must be reviewed in detail to eventually build a
multi-stakeholder consensus on development and utilisation of standards and certification schemes
to promote social security as well as documentation and sustenance of available MAP resources.
References
Bhattacharya P, Prasad R, Bhattacharyya R, Asokan A (2008). Towards certification of wild
medicinal and aromatic plants in four Indian states. Unasylva, 230(59): 35-44.
Convention on Biological Diversity (2014). Indias 5th national report to the Convention on
Biological Diversity p27.
Gupta S, Porwal MC, Roy PS (2004). Indigenous knowledge on some medicinal plants among the
Nicobari Tribe of Car Nicobar Island. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 3:287293.
Joshi K, Chavan P, Warude D, Patwardhan B (2004). Molecular markers in herbal drug technology.
Current Science 87:159165.
TRAFFIC (2010). Wild for a Cure: Groundtruthing a Standard for Sustainable Management of Wild
Plants in the Field. TRAFFIC International.
Katiyar A (2007) Group certification for organic NTFPs: Dhamtari approach. New Delhi, India,
International Development Research Centre (IDRC), International Centre for Integrated Mountain
Development (ICIMOD), National Medicinal Plant Board & CG MFP Federation.
Muller S, Durbeck K (2005). Guidance manual for organic collection of wild plants. Zrich,
Switzerland, Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO).

Planning Commission Report (2000). Report of the Task Force on conservation and sustainable use
of medicinal plants. Planning Commission, Government of India.
Pushpangadan P (1995). Ethno-Biology in India. A status report. All India Co-ordinated research
Project on Ethno-Biology, MOEF, GOI, New Delhi.
Rao MR, Palada MC, Becker BN (2004). Medicinal and aromatic plants in agro-forestry systems.
Agroforestry Syst 61:107122.
Rastogi A, Pant R (2004). FSC certification feasibility assessment report, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Technical Report. New Delhi, India, WWF India.
Sharrock S, Oldfield S, Wilson O (2014). Plant Conservation Report 2014: A review of progress in
implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation 2011-2020. Secretariat of the Convention
on Biological Diversity, Montral, Canada and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Richmond,
UK. Technical Series No. 81, 56 pages.
Verma, SK (1998). Evolving mechanism for NTFP oriented forest management. Forest Usufructus,
1(1&2): 122.
42
POTENTIAL AND PROSPECTS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN

NORTHEAST:
EXPECTATION OF STAKEHOLDERS
Dr. MUHAMMED MAJEED

Founder and Managing Director
SAMI LABS LTD., Bangalore
INTRODUCTION
The demand for medicinal plants is rising in the industrialized world, where people are
resorting to natural health remedies more and more. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
estimated that demand for medicinal plants is approximately U.S. $14 billion per year (Aneesh
et al. 2009). The requirement for medicinal plant-based raw materials and medicinal plant-based
products is growing at the rate of 15-25% annually. This indicates the tremendous potential and
demand in this sector.
China ranks first in the world followed by India in export of medicinal plants. The global trade
of medicinal plants stands at U.S. $7,592 million in 2011 with the share of China and India around
U.S. $1,329 million and U.S. $790 million respectively (Kumar 2012).
43
Contract cultivation of medicinal plants by Sami Labs

Sami labs successfully practiced contract cultivation of Coleus, Turmeric, Ginger, Tulsi etc.
for the past 15 years. Our sustained efforts resulted in engagement of more than 10,000 farmers
working with us in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Why cultivate medicinal plants?

In India, we primarily use 960 medicinal plants, of which 90% of the raw materials is collected
from the wild. Unfortunately, only 36 species are under commercial cultivation (Ved and Goraya
2007). Increased demand for herbal raw materials in pharmaceuticals, perfumes, cosmetics, biopesticides, nutritional supplements etc. and the indiscriminate collection have led some of the
valuable medicinal plants towards near extinction. Some 359 medicinal plants used in Ayurveda
fall in the Endangered category (Ved 2010). In such situation when the Global annual market of
herbal drugs is very high and the resources are depleted drastically, the only means to reduce
the pressure on wild medicinal plants and conserve the medicinal plant resources for sustained
utilization is through cultivation. Medicinal plants can be integrated with various cropping systems
and can be effectively grown by farmers. Many crops of medicinal and aromatic plants are hardy
and yield reasonably well without much care. It is a profitable alternative to traditional crops and
provides sustainable employment to rural and tribal areas. Medicinal plants have an immense
scope for further improvement of their productivity and adaptability.
How was it achieved?

Several years ago Sami Labs selected a few farmers in Attur, a small village in Salem district,
Tamil Nadu who cultivated Coleus for SAMI Labs on an experimental basis. It was the beginning
of a success story. More and more farmers joined our network to cultivate Coleus. Today Coleus
is cultivated in 15,000 acres. Sami Labs is the pioneer in the field of coleus cultivation in India
through contract farming.
COLEUS - From the wild to a

cultivated medicinal plant in over
15,000 acres. This is a classic
example of successful establishment
of contract - cultivation by SAMI
LABS LTD.
Contract cultivation Sami Labs Model

Buy back agreement.
Control over Quality Planting Material supply
Technical support.
Scientific innovation in cultivation practices is being passed onto the farmers from time to time.

A SOCIAL ALLEGIANCE
POTENTIAL OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN
NORTHEAST
The Northeast region with eight states is
renowned for its magic beauty and serenity with
rolling landscape having lush hills, winding rivers
and green valleys blessed with rich biodiversity.
It consists of 7.8% of geographical area in India,
but with only 3.8% of population. About 55% of
the area is under forests. The temperature ranges
from 25-270C in the plains and 15-200C in the
hills. The average rainfall is 2800 mm in Assam, Meghalaya & Arunachal with around 1800mm in
other areas. The wide range of climatic and soil conditions present vast scope for growing various
types of medicinal plants. The Northeast region is one of the 25 hot spots of mega diversity in the
world with its species richness and endemism (Myers et al. 2000). Some of the important gene
pools of citrus, banana, and rice are reported to have originated from this region and is termed as
Hindustan Centre of Origin of Cultivated Plants (Vavilov 1951). This region has at least 7500
species of flowering plants, which is about 42% found in India and known as Cradle of Flowering
plants (Chakravarty et al. 2012).
Out of 2500 Indian medicinal plants, 43% of them exist in this region. Rare and high value
plants like Aconitum heterophyllum, Picorrhiza kurooa, Podophyllum hexandrum, Taxus
44
wallichi, Rheum emodi, Coptis teeta, Panax pseudo-ginseng are available here. There occur some
rare aromatic plants like Sugandha kokila and Sugandha mantri in this region. The ginger from
Meghalaya is one of best in the world and the turmeric from Lakadong area is with highest curcumin
content. Some of the untapped promising medicinal plants like black ginger, black turmeric, etc.
grow in the wild. Another feature of the sharing of international border of 2000 km serves as a
strategic business centre. Owing to the proximity with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and other
southeast Asian countries, the Northeast can easily accommodate many high value medicinal
plants commercially grown in these countries. Inhabited by over 225 ethnic communities, the
Northeast is rich in its cultural and the traditional ethnomedicinal heritage (Chatterjee et al. 2006).
This valuable associated knowledge with rich biodiversity is still limited to the individuals or
ethnic groups.
PROSPECTS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NORTHEAST
The Northeast has unique topography with varied phytogeographic and climatic conditions
and has its own strength in terms of unique medicinal plant wealth that needs to be looked into and
taken forward to the mainstream of medicinal plant industry. Considering the huge potential, I feel,
we need to take more efforts to make this sector commercially viable in Northeast to support the
economy of local inhabitants. We already have a few crops like turmeric, especially the Lakadong
variety, some varieties of ginger and some others in cultivation here. But, the demand of medicinal
plant products is very high and we have to be aggressive and fast to meet the requirement of the
domestic and international market. For example, our requirements alone, for turmeric, ginger,
brahmi, etc are given in the Table1. Our general requirement for common medicinal plants is also
mentioned in the Table2 to understand the need of the industry.
Table1. Our requirements for some medicinal plants from Northeast India

Let us discuss some of the known and some possible promising medicinal and a few aromatic
crops that can be made commercially viable in the Northeast.
45
TURMERIC
The turmeric cultivated in Lakadong area of Jaintia
hills in Meghalaya and Thoubal in Manipur is the best
in the world as far as the curcumin content is concerned.
The curcumin content was found to be as high as 9.44%
(Thingbaijam et al. 2012). The high curcumin content might
be due to the combined effects of habitat, soil, climate and
the planting material available in these areas. The Spices
Board also encourages the farmers for growing turmeric in
this area with a subsidy of Rs. 12,500 per ha (http://www.
indianspices.com/html/wp_lt.htm).
Many farmers in this area are experiencing a transformation in their living standard by growing
turmeric. The climate suitable for its growth in Meghalaya can transform lives of many other rural
growers if more intervention and technical know-how is given to the growers with a constructive
policy and a strategy to properly market the yield .
We expect a total production of 5,625 tons of dry turmeric from the total area of 900 ha @ an
average yield of 6.25 tons per ha with a value of Rs. 56.25 cr About 1800 ha. cultivation area can
be achieved by 2019.

GINGER
It is regular cultivated crop both in South and North India.
Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant with a
firm, striated texture. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be
yellow, white or red in colour, depending upon the variety. It
is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin,
depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was
mature or young. Today, the top commercial producers of ginger
include Jamaica, India, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia. The ginger
in Meghalaya is one of the finest in the world . Alone in this area,
we plan to grow in 40 ha and a production of 250 tons @ 6.25
tons per ha.
BRAHMI (Bacopa monnieri)
It is a perennial creeping plant, native of Asia, Australia, Africa and Americas. It commonly
grows in marshy areas throughout India and many Asian countries where it can be grown in damp
conditions by a pond or bog garden. The leaves of this plant are succulent, oblong and 46 mm
thick. Leaves are oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and
white, with four or five petals.
Its ability to grow in water
makes it a popular aquarium
plant. It can even grow in
slightly brackish conditions.
Propagation is often achieved
through cutting.
46
We expect a total production of 100 tons @ 2 tons per ha. The investment will be Rs. 60,000
per ha, with a return of Rs.1,20,000 @ Rs.60 per kg.
BLACK GINGER (Kaempferia parviflora)
It is an annual rhizomatous
plant in South East Asia and
commercially grown in Thailand
for its aphrodisiac properties. It is
also known as Thai Ginseng and
is cultivated in the Pechaboon
and Loei hills of Thailand. Due
to the limited supply, it fetches a
very high price. The Black ginger is available in NE regions as wild, hence, can be cultivated
commercially. This shade loving is short in stature with broad leaves and dark purplish rhizome.
The crop is grown organically in the slopes of the forest lands as an understory crop and matures
in 8-10 months. The yield is 3.75 tons dry rhizome per ha. The expenses will be 8 lakh in the 1st
year and 6 lakh thereafter.
BLACK TURMERIC (Curcuma caesia) or Black zedoary
Is a perennial herb with bluish-black rhizome native to North-East and Central India. Black
turmeric is also sparsely found in the Papi Hills of East Godavari, West Godavari, and the Khammam
districts of Andhra Pradesh. The leaves have a deep violet-red patch which runs through the
length of the lamina. Generally the
upper side of the leaf is rough and
velvety. This character may vary.
Flower petals are pink in colour.
The rhizome is bitter, hot taste
with pungent smell. It is cultivated
in a small scale in some parts of
Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
The crop matures in 8-10 months and the yield is 6 tons per ha with a value of 7.5 lakh @
Rs.125 per kg. The cost of cultivation would be 5 lakh in the first year and 4 lakh thereafter.
47
CASSUMUNAR GINGER (Zingiber cassumunar):

An erect plant with linear lanceolate leaves, green above and paler below. The flowers are
solitary, large and pale sulphur yellow in colour. The rhizome is joined but much larger than
common ginger. When fresh, the rhizomes are yellow in colour with a camphoraceous odour,
warm, spicy and bitter in taste. It is known as plai in Thailand and cultivated in a small scale. It
is a powerful anti-oxidant (cassumunarin), antibiotic, pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.

The rhizome of black turmeric has a high economic importance owing to its putative medicinal
properties. In west Bengal, the rhizome of the plant is used in Kali Puja. It is used in the treatment
of epilepsy, piles, impotency and menstrual disorders. The crop can be cultivated as other
zingiberaceae species and matures in 8-10 months and yields 3.75 tons per ha with a value of 7.5
lakh @ Rs.200 per kg. The cultivation expenses will be 4.5 lakh in the 1st year and 3.5 thereafter.
BHUT JOLOKIA /NAGA CHILLI (Capsicum chinense)

A well known one of the hottest chillis on the earth and has high demand for its high capsaicin
contents. This has huge potential, but still limited to certain pockets in Nagaland and Manipur.
The Swertia chirata is another crop, having high demand in ayurvedic formulations. We may
also look into possibilities of introducing exotic species that have high demand in international
market.
With the growing demand, some of the aromatic plants like SUGANDHA KOKILA
(Cinnamomum glaucescens) and SUGANDHA MANTRI (Homalomena aromatica) should also be
looked into for their huge potential in perfumery industry.
EXPECTATION OF STAKEHOLDERS
The medicinal plants sector involves many stakeholders, viz. industry, entrepreneurs, farmers,
collectors, traditional healers, government and non-government organisations etc. and each one
has justified expectations. The industry revolves around the demand and supply of quality raw
materials of medicinal plant resources at a reasonable price that come either through cultivation or
from the wild. Lets focus on the cultivation aspects. The major players in this scenario are a) the
farmer or entrepreneur, b) the facilitator Govt. and non- govt. organisations and c) the consumer
the industry. The expectations of all the stakeholders are interdependent.
A.
Expectations of the Farmers
Awareness and information:

- Details of the new crop with the land holding he possesses
- Why to switch from traditional crop - the precedence and benefit?
- Who will help in growing and buying back the produce?
- Availability of subsidies

Economic viability of the crop:

- Where is the market?
- Who are the potential buyers?
- How much benefit over the present traditional crop in his field?
Quality planting material:
- Where to get?
- Facilitators and support
- The cost
Technical know-how:
- Time / season / land requirements,
- Suitable soil conditions,
- Irrigation facilities,
- Organic cultivation or application of fertilizers or pesticide,
- Weather reports,
- Preserving quality planting material for next season,
- Technical seminars/ workshops etc at regular intervals
48
Infrastructure and logistics

- Road and Power supply,
- Irrigation facility,
- Processing and Storage facilities,
- Transport facilities
Post harvest technology:
- Processing techniques to minimize the loss in quantity and quality
Insurance of the crop
- In case of crop failure due to infestations or natural calamity
Assurance of buy back arrangements
- Assured buyers with reasonable minimum fixed rates
- Profitable selling of their produce
Support from Govt and other agencies
- Availability of subsidies,
- Quality planting material,
- Technical know-how and skill development
- Weather reports,
- Soil and water analysis,
- Demonstration and cultivation procedures,
- Facilitation in harvest and post harvest operations,
- Testing of the quality of the produce
- Arrangement of the promising buyers
Benefits of subsidy for cultivation, modern irrigation facility, power supply, transportation etc
must reach to actual cultivator.
B. Expectation of the Government and Non-government

organisations
49

- Reduce pressure on the wild medicinal plants and avoid overexploitation of medicinal plants
from wild
- Successful introduction of alternative crop to uplift the economy of local inhabitants
- Research organisations to develop elite planting materials, work on crop improvement and
develop and transfer State-of-the-Art agro-techniques to farmers to cultivate and deliver the
desired quality raw material to the consumers
- The farmers are well aware and informed of the potential of medicinal plants cultivation and
post harvest procedures
- Development of skills of the farmers and entrepreneurship
- The facilities and subsidies given to the farmers are appropriately used and meet the requirements
of industry
- The linkage between farmers and consumer is well established
C.
Expectation of the Industry
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consistent supply of the raw material in bulk

Quality raw material without adulteration
Raw material without pesticide residues and other impurities
Reasonable price of the raw material
Good infrastructure and transportation facilities
Safe delivery of the raw materials to extraction or distillation plants
Motivation and support by the government departments
Land for demonstration plots and trial cultivation
Support of the local organisation and farmers
Returns on the Investment
It is evident here that the potential and prospects of medicinal plant resources in Northeast can
well be explored and utilized when the expectations of all the stakeholders are met substantially.
Sami Labs plans to go for extensive cultivation of selected medicinal and aromatic herbs of
indigenous and exotic nature as per the industrial needs in Northeast. We have the following model
(Fig.1) for contract cultivation programs as standardised for large scale commercial cultivation for
Coleus in other states.
SAMI
LABS
Govt.
Department
Growers

Fig.1 The Sami Contract-Cultivation Model for medicinal and aromatic herbs
In this model the related facilitator government departments can be decided based the
requirement of the particular crop in a given area.
Our Tripartite agreements between Sami Labs, government department and farmers have been
proved successful in case of Coleus. Here the related government department serves as a bridge
between farmers and Sami Labs.
CONCLUSION
Considering the huge potential and prospects of medicinal plants in Northeast we expect all the
stakeholders to put in their efforts to grow the medicinal plants based industries in this part to meet
the domestic and international requirements. Let us ensure that the constraints of accessibility,
transport, local problems are overcome through concerted efforts of all related agencies. Apart
from the locally available elite crops we need to introduce some promising medicinal crops from
neighboring countries to make our sector more robust and viable. Involvement of more and more
farmers with fuller support and motivation from government will give the industry confidence to
set up modern extraction and distillation units in Northeast.
50
Table2: ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF SOME IMPORTANT MEDICINAL HERBS BY

SAMI LABS LTD. AT PRESENT
Sl.No
Item Name
Product
Qty in Tons
TURMERIC FINGER
Curcumin C3 Complex
6000 *
BOSWELLIA (GUM OLIBANUM)
Boswellia Serrata Extract Super 20 & 30%
750*
PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM WOOD

POWDER
Pterocarpus Extract Pa Fj ,Pterocarpus

Extract 5%
1250*
GARCINIA CAMBOGIA FRUITS
Garcinia Cambogia Extract,Garcinia

Cambogia Extract - Ca K,Garcinia
Cambogia Extract - K (Beverage Grade)
530*
GYMNEMA LEAVES
Gymnema Sylvestre Extract

75%,Gymnema Sylvestre Extract 25%
210*
CENTELIA ASIATICA LEAVES
Centella Asiatica Extract(Cg)
126*
COLEUS ROOT
Coleus Forskohlii Extract

10%,20%,40%,95% & 98%,Leangard
1650*
RAJMA BEAN SEEDS (PHASEOLUS

VULGARIS)
Phaseolus Vulgaris Extract 8000 Units &

20000 Units
50*
TULSI LEAVES
Tulsi Leaves Scf Extract & Tulsi Extract
50*
10
KARELA FRUIT
Momordica Charantia Extract
104*
11
METHI SEEDS
Fenugreek Extract (Fenu Fibres)
86*
12
GINGER DRIED RHIZOMES (ZINGIBER

OFFICINALE)
Ginger Soft Scf Extract 20%,Ginger Soft

Scf Extract 35% & Dry Ginger Scf Extract (
40 Mesh )
225*
13
BACOPA HERB
Bacopa Monnieri Extract 20% & 50 %
120*
14
LICORICE ROOT
Dry Liquorice Extract , Liquorice Extract

40% CA/ACG
210**

51
REFERENCES
Aneesh T P, Hisham M, Sekhar M S, Madhu M, Deepa T V 2009. International market scenario
of traditional Indian herbal drugs - India declining. Int J Green Pharm 3: 184-190.
Chakravarty S, Suresh C P, Puri A, Shukla G 2012. North-east India, the geographical gateway
of Indias phytodiversity. Indian Forester 138: 702 -709.
Chatterjee S, Saikia A, Dutta P, Ghosh D, Pangging G, Goswami A K 2006. Biodiversity
significance of northeast india. Background paper no. 13. WWF-India

Kumar A (AYUSH Dept) 2012. The Indian Express, Aug 8.

Myers N, Mittermeier R A, Mittermeier C G, da Fonseca G A B, Kent J 2000. Biodiversity
hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature 403: 24.
Thingbaijam D S, Khumallambam D D, Kshetrimayum P, Chongtham H S, Shagolsem B S,
Chingakham B S, Huidrom S D 2012. Silver nitrate and different culture vessels influence high
frequency microrhizome induction in vitro and enhancement growth of turmeric plantlet during
ex vitro acclimatization. Notulae Scientia Biologicae 4: 67-78.
Vavilov N I 1951. Origin and geography of cultivated plants. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, UK.
Ved D K 2010. Personal communication through e-mail, April 28 - May 07.
Ved DK., Goraya G S 2007. Demand and Supply of Medicinal Plants in India. NMPB, New
Delhi & FRLHT, Bangalore, India.
52
Mainstreaming of Medicinal Plants Sector in North East

India
Dr. R.C. Uniyal
Department of Bio-Resource Development
Emami Ltd., 687 Anandapur, EM Bypass, Kolkata 700107
Email: ramesh.uniyal@emamigroup.com
India has rich biodiversity due to the presence of varied agro climatic zones, number of
vegetative zones, and diverse biotic provinces. It is one of the 12 mega biodiversity centers having
45,000 plant species. The Himalayas including North East India harbor about 8,000 plant species
of which 2,500 (21.3%) have been reported to have important medicinal properties. Plants provide
a variety of resources that contribute to the fundamental need of human being. Medicinal and
aromatic plants have played a vital role in alleviating human sufferings. Since times immemorial,
medicinal plants have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine. The traditional
medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani are part of a time-tested culture and honored
by people still today.
A vast diversity of herbal ingredients, major proportion of which is derived from wild, provide
the resource base to the herbal industry. The global demand of herbal medicine is not only large
but growing. Consequently, threat to genetic diversity of medicinal plants has increased as a
result of habitat destruction, over-exploitation and other pressures as they are still being collected
from the wild and exploited unsustainably. In addition to the industrial consumption, significant
quantities of medicinal plant resources are consumed in the country under its traditional health
care practices at the household level, by traditional healers.
IUCN Redlist Category
Number
01
Extinct (EX)
06
02
Extinct in Wild (EW)
02
03
Critical Endangered (CR)
61
04
Endangered (EN)
151
05
Vulnerable (VU)
120
06
Near Threatened (NT)
40
07
Lower Risk/Conservation Dependent (LR/cd)
01
08
Data Deficient (DD)
69
53
Sl.No.

The growing demand is putting a heavy strain on the existing resources causing a number of
species to be either threatened or endangered category. In India, less than 10% of the medicinal
plants traded in the country are cultivated, about 90% are collected from the wild, very often in
a destructive and unsustainable manner. This poses a definite threat to the genetic stocks and to
the diversity of medicinal plants. Recently some rapid assessment of the threat status of medicinal
plants using IUCN designed CAMP methodology revealed that about 112 species in southern
India, 74 species in Northern and Central India and 42 species in the high altitude of Himalayas
are threatened in the wild.As per IUCN Redlist category data (November, 2014), hundreds of
species are under different category of threats. Details are as under:
09
Least Concern (LC)
879
Total
1329
Prospects in North East Region

North East India is part of both Himalaya as well as Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots in the
world. It comprising of eight Indian states covering an area of 2,62,060 sq. km. and represents 8% of
the countrys total geographical area. The region is characterized by diverse physiography, ranging
from plains, plateaus and mountains with associated valleys. It forms a unique biogeographic
province encompassing major biomes recognized in the world. It has the richest reservoir of
plant biodiversity in India and is one of the biodiversity hotspot of the world supporting about
50% of Indias biodiversity. All types right from the grassland meadows, marshes, swamps, scrub
forests, mixed deciduous forests, humid evergreen forests, temperate and alpine vegetation are
found here. The varied forests types found in the region are home to numerous plants and animals.
About 50% of the total 17500 flowering plants hail from the region, and 40% of them are endemic.
The distinct tribes in the region have rich indigenous traditional knowledge system on the uses
of components of biodiversity for their daily sustenance like food, fodder, shelter and healthcare.

Since the early 1970s different organisations have been working on ethnobotany and traditional
knowledge system of the region and published many reports. Based on the observations of the
ethno-botanical research publications it may be said that India is second to none in documentation
in this field, however, the country has so far not been able to translate the information into economic
wealth. The time has come, therefore, to selectively screen some of the interesting ethno-medicinal
plants for active chemical compounds which may lead to the discovery of new novel drugs. A
few examples of potential plants from this region are - Oroxyllumindicum (for Hypertension),
Solanumkurzii (Anti-allergy), Poulzolziahirta (Fracture bone setting, boil), Lysimachiaracemosa(Deworming), Litseacubeba (Foot & mouth disease of cattle), Anemone revularis (Sinus problem),
Rhusjavanica(Loose motion), etc. Some plants were over-exploited during last two decades and
now under different category of threats. Some of important plants are - Aquilariakhasiana, Aconitum
ferox, A. heterophyllum, Bergenia ciliate, Coptisteeta, Garciniapedunculata, Gentianaquadrifaria,
Malaxismuscifera, Nardostachysjatamansi, Panaxassamicus, Paris polyphylla, Rauvolfia serpentine,
Rubiamanjith, Swertiachirayta, Taxuswallichiana, Valerianahardwickii, Valerianajatamansi, etc.
There is a plethora of information on uses of indigenous plants in Ethnobotany literature. Most
of the plants listed in Ethnobotany may be very useful against different diseases but their use at
commercial level still to be tested. There are regulatory bottlenecks to develop the products on
the basis of Ethnobotany literature, if plant is not mentioned in recognized 56 textbooks of Ayush
under Drug and Cosmetic Act (Chapter first). If said plant is not listed in these books, license
under Ayush cannot be granted. This is a major hurdle in getting product from Ethnobotany based
knowledge. Some years back Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee had planned to come out
with extra Pharmacopoeia to include plants used in India but not mentioned in Ayush system. Its
fate is unknown and therefore Ayush Ministry needs to pursue this. Only option left is to develop
product as food supplement not as medicine. Inclusion of Ethnobotany plants in Pharmacopoeia
will give much desired boost to traditional system of medicine.
Bio-Resource Development and Present Scenario:
Natural resources are generally defined as all those things given by nature on, above and under
the surface of the earth. In this broad sense natural resources include land, water, forests, fisheries
54
and animals, mineral ores and sources of energy like coal, petroleum, gas and uranium, etc.
Due to overconsumption, many valuable natural resources are rapidly being depleted. Especially
Forests are facing tremendous pressure for want of natural resources including medicinal plants
resources. Various developmental and anthropogenic pressures on the forests, unscrupulous and
unscientific exploitation of medicinal plants due to increasing national/global trade, inadequacy
of management inputs, gradual erosion of local communitys role in management of the resource
and lack of enabling legislation have caused severe depletion of the medicinal plant resource base,
affecting the health and livelihood options of the rural poor. The situation in respect of medicinal
plants and associated issues may further aggravate unless corrective measures are put in place.
Present challenge lies in the scientific understanding of the causes and consequences of
biodiversity loss. The major decline of medicinal plant biodiversity is also attributed to climate
change and habitat loss. A focused multi-sectoral approach is needed for overall development of
medicinal plants sector in region. Therefore overall development of medicinal plants sector in
region should aim at holistic development of all land based resources/departments such as forest,
agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, health, water conservation and mining etc.
There is a need to look into sustainable utilization and cultivation of medicinal plants as well
as conserve these resources in natural habitats. Development of medicinal plants sector mainly
depends on the awareness and interest of the farmers, supportive government policies, availability
of assured markets, profitable price levels, and assess to simple and appropriate agro-techniques.
The successful establishments of medicinal plants sector may help in raising rural employment,
boost commerce around the world, and contribute to the health of millions.
To mainstream the sector in North Eastregion, there is a need to address some of the key issues
like Conservation, Cultivation, Traditional Knowledge, Livelihood issues, Research priorities,
Administrative &Funding issues and Regulatory& Policy issues.
55
(i) Challenges and Opportunities in Cultivation of Medicinal Plants: Although threat assessment
reports / studies show the alarming status, it also provides the opportunity for farmers. Most of the
species found in hilly areas / mountain states are falling under different category of prohibitions
(negative list by DGFT, CITES Appendix I & II, Wildlife Protection Act, IUCN red list, etc.). By
virtue of this,listed species are restricted from collection, harvesting and exporting, if collected
fromforest areas. Only cultivated / propagated plants can be used and also allowed for export.

Role of Herbal Based Industries:

This is the proper time for herbal based industries operating in India to take the initiatives
towards sustainable collection & utilization on one hand and scientifically managed commercial
cultivation of important medicinal plants on other hand to run the business smoothly. Emami
Ltd. is one such company which has taken initiatives in this direction and has setup Bio-Resource
Development division. Emami is one of the leading and fastest growing personal and healthcare
company in India with an enviable portfolio of over 260 products based on Ayurvedic formulations.
For manufacturing of quality products company requires large volume of herbal raw materials
throughout the year. Day by day it is becoming difficult to procure quality raw material in bulk from
available resources. Adulteration and substitutions are common in market which is hampering the
quality of herbal products and ultimately giving bad name to sector. To overcome this problem
Company have adopted two way strategies i.e. Contract/Captive commercial Cultivation and
sustainable collection through community based organizations.
This situation provides a good opportunity for farmers / cultivators. Farmers can earn income
if cultivated aggressively and traded, as the demand is fast increasing. In the quest for earning
better returns from the land, farmers should start the cultivation of medicinal plants along with
conventional crops. Cultivation is also vital for the conservation of many medicinal plants.
There is a need to improve basic knowledge about cultivation practices. In order to initiate
systematic cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants high yielding varieties have to be
selected. In the case of wild plants, their demonstration would require careful development work.
Sometimes high yielding varieties have also to be developed by selective breeding or clonal micro
propagation. The selected propagation materials have to be distributed to the farmers either through
nurseries or seed banks. Systematic cultivation needs specific cultural practices and agronomical
requirements. These are species specific and are dependent on soil, water and climatic conditions.
Research and development work has to be done to formulate species specific Good Agricultural
Practices (GAP) which should include proper cultivation techniques, harvesting methods, safe use
of fertilizers and pesticides and waste disposal. The medicinal plants sector can be improved if the
agricultural support agencies would come forward to help strengthen the medicinal plants growers
and if research institutions would help the plant growers by improving their basic knowledge
about cultivation practices. Despite all the policy level support, the cultivation of medicinal plants
didnt pick-up its optimal momentum. Absence of credible marketed linkages seems to be a major
reason for this kind of gap.

(ii) Emami Efforts for Cultivation: To supply the quality raw material throughout the year,
company has planned a cultivation strategy. We have identified some species for cultivation as per
our requirement. For some species there is a need to identify the land in hilly terrain of mountain
states. Idea is to involve more and more farmers for cultivation of selected plants under buy back
agreement. Company is ready to help the farmers in providing training on cultivation, procuring
quality planting material, post-harvest management and storage and their training needs, etc.
Primary value addition and post-harvest operations are very crucial for quality of produce, so
especial emphasis will be given to these aspects.
Some of the species selected for cultivation are - Aconitum heterophyllum, Rubiacordifolia,,
Picororhizakurooa, Swertiachirata, Inularacemosa, Valerianawallichii, Amomumsubulatum,
Mucunapruriens, Piper longum, Bacopamonnieri, Centellaasiatica, Cassia angustifolia, Asparagus
recemosus, Ocimum sanctum, Acoruscalamus, TinosporacordifoliaWithaniasomnifera, etc.
(iii) Value Chain Assessment and Sustainable Collection through Community Based
Organisations: As mentioned earlier most of the raw material is coming from the forests in bulk and
hence day by day availability in forests is decreasing. Most of the time collection is un-sustainable,
un-scientific and over-exploitative. There is a strong need to start value chain assessment and
practice sustainable harvest protocol while collecting / harvesting medicinal plants from forest
land.
Considering the secretive and un-organised nature of this business, it is assumed that, significant
volumes of medicinal plants from the region enter the national markets through multi-stakeholder
supply channels. Material coming from remote areas changes hands many time and hence prices
do escalate in this process without any value addition. However, it is quite evident that, the
income to primary collectors is always at lower end. There are some good examples which show
the potential of generating livelihoods by practicing sustainable collection of medicinal plants
56
from forests. There is a lot of un-tapped potential in this sector. Sustainable collection can generate
livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
A value chain is a chain of activities that happens in order to deliver a valuable product. The
main purpose of value chain mapping and analysis is to create value that exceeds the cost of
providing the product or service and generates a profit margin. The successful commercialization
of plants requires a clear understanding of the demand and production systems of the plants and
or their derivative products; Understanding what plants are sold on markets and assessing their
market information is a crucial step towards commercialization of the same. There is a need
to initiate the value chain assessment for some selected medicinal plants of NE region through
reputed institute which should lead to market linkages.
Company is planning to work closely with primary collectors of medicinal plants in different
states. Community based organizations, forest federations, shelf help groups are playing prominent
role in collection of raw materials from forest. We are taking initiatives to promote the practices
of sustainable harvesting, value chain assessment and ensuring fair economic returns to the
communities by offering a direct business linkage. There is a specific need to create network
between the communities and the end-users of medicinal plants. Under this initiative, the
company promotes the practices of sustainable harvesting and ensures better economic returns to
the communities. Such kind of networks can ensure fair and transparent pricing mechanism for
purchase of medicinal plants from primary collectors. Company will assist community in getting
technical support for sustainable resource management.
Species opted for sustainable collection and value chain assessment from forest/villages and
wastelands are- Hemidesmusindicus, Adhatodazeylanica, Sidacordifolia, Termilariabelerica,
Aeglemarmelos, Phyllanthusfraternus, Solanumindicum, Ecliptaalba, Tribulusterrestris,
Terminaliachebula, Azadirachtaindica, Symplocosracemosa, Cyperusrotundus, Mesuaferrea,
Vitaxnegundo, Desmodiumgangeticum, Boerhaaviadiffusa, Embeliaribes, Cassia fistula, etc.
References:
Bodeker, G. (2005). Medicinal Plant Biodiversity & Local Healthcare: Sustainable Use
& Livelihood Development. A paper presented in 17* Commonwealth Forestry Conference Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Hore DK, 1998: Diversity in Agricultural plants an experience with North East India. In:
Agriculture, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Souvenir, NEHU, Shillong, 11-13.
lUCN, UNEP & WWF (1980). World Conservation Strategy: Living Resource Conservation for
Sustainable Development. lUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Joy, P. P., Thomas, J., Mathew, S. & Skaria, B. P. (1998). Medicinal Plants. Kerala Agricultural
University, Kerala.
57
Deshpande, R.S., Neelakanta, N.T. &Hegde, N. (2006).Cultivation of Medicinal Crops &

Aromatic Crops as a Mean of Diversification in Agriculture. Research Report: IX/ADRT/115.

Chatterjee, S.K. (2002). Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India - A Commercial
Approach. In International Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Possibilities and
Limitations of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Production in 21st Century. Chemical Weekly,
November, 2000.
Mao AA & Hynniewta TM, 2000: Floristic diversity of North East India, J Assam SciSoc, 41(4):
255-266.
Mao AA, Hynniewta TM and Sanjappa M, 2009: Plant wealth of Northeast India with reference
to Ethnobotany, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, Vol. 8(1), January 2009, pp 96-103.
Natesh, S. (2000). Biotechnology in the conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants: 548561. In: Chadha, K.L., Ravindran, P.N. & Sahajram, L. (eds.) Biotechnology in Horticulture and
Plantation Crops. Malhotra Publishing House, New Delhi, India
Prajapati, N.D., Purohit, S.S., Sharma, A.K. & Kumar, T. (2003).A Handbook of Medicinal
Plants. Agrobios, Jodhpur.
Rajasekharan, P.E. & Ganeshan, S. (2002). Conservation of medicinal plant biodiversity in
Indian perspective. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences 24(1): 132-147.
Samant, S.S., Dhar, U. & Palni, L.M.S. (1998). Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalayas: Diversity,
Distribution, Potential values. Himavikas Publication No. 13, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan
Environment and Development, Almora, Uttaranchal, India.
Samy, R. P. &Gopalakrishnakone, P. (2007).Current status of herbal and their future perspectives.
hdl:10101/npre. 2007. 1176.1
Sharma, S., Rathi, N., Kamal B., Pundir, D., Kaur, B. &Arya, S. (2010). Conservation of
biodiversity of highly important medicinal plants of India through tissue culture technology- a
review. Agric. Biol. J. N. Am. 1(5): 827- 833.
Suresh Kumar, Rohit Kumar and Altaf Khan, 2011: Medicinal Plants Resources: Manifestation
and Prospects of Life-Sustaining Healthcare System. Continental J. Biological Sciences 4 (1): 19 29, Trivedi, P.C. (ed.) (2002). Ethnobotany. Aavishkar Publishers, Jaipur.
Uniyal RC, Pushp Jain, Uniyal MR, 2000: Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in India A Source
Book. TRAFFIC-India Publication, New Delhi.
Ved, D.K. &Goraya, G.S. (2007).Demand and Supply of Medicinal Plants in India. NMPB,
New Delhi & FRLHT, Bangalore, India.

Vaidya, A.D.B. & Devasagayam, T.P.A. (2007). Current Status of Herbal Drugs in India: An
Overview. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 41(1): 1-11.
58
Potential and prospects of medicinal plants in North

East India and expectations of stake holders
R.S. Jat and Jitendra Kumar
ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research,
Anand-387 310, Gujarat
Email: rsdevgudha@yahoo.co.in
jitendrakumar7@yahoo.com
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) and their derivatives are used for prevention as well
as curing of human health problems (diseases and disorders) since time immemorial, and there
is global resurgence now in use of plant based drugs where modern drugs are either unavailable,
unaffordable or unsatisfactory. India has rich heritage and long history on use of medicinal and
aromatic plants (MAP) as medicine, cosmetics, health hygiene, toiletries, fragrance and food
supplements in improving the quality of life. The Indian system of medicines (ISM) comprises
of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani which have their long roots in the society. Ayurveda is about
5,000 years old and predominantly uses medicinal and aromatic plants for their preparations and
formulations. Modern pharmacopeia also listed about 25 per cent of drugs derived from plants.
MAPs are also increasingly recognized as source of significant livelihood opportunities for many
rural communities, especially, primitive forest-dependent tribes, landless poor and marginalized
farmers. But the every stakeholder playing role in MAPs sector is facing problems; farmers are
unable to cultivate medicinal plants in large scale due to lack of knowledge, unavailability of
quality planting material and proper market; pharmaceutical companies are unable to maintain
the quality in their drugs due to variation in raw drug materials; traders facing the problem due to
fluctuation in demand and supply and policy support. Under these situations, MAP sector require
a strategic plan, which takes a holistic view of the entire situation from sustainable utilization
to economic development, conservation of vital biodiversity, crop diversification of the existing
cropping systems and marketing with the advancement of technologies.
59
Export and Import of AYUSH related items since 2003-4 (Rs. in crores)
In India, MAPs are consumed by herbal industries, Ayurvedic industries, Pharmaceutical
industries, household usages and export. Demand is estimated to be about 319,500 tons (Ved
and Goraya, 2008) of which 80% supply comes from wild harvest from forest, roadsides, farm
boundaries and water bodies; and 20% from cultivation and imports. About 960 species of MAP
are under trade of which 178 species are consumed more than 100 metric tons per year and 134
species are sourced exclusively from cultivation. In case of aromatic plants status, Indias total export

National and International scenario

The international market of medicinal plants is growing at the rate of 7 per cent per annum
(Planning Commission, Govt. of India, 2000). India is one of the major exporters of crude drugs
mainly to six developed countries, viz., USA, Germany, France, Switzerland, U.K. and Japan,
which accounts for 75-80 per cent of the total export market. The export of AYUSH products has
increased from INR 28,870.1 million in 2009-10 to INR 33,419.0 million in 2010-11with about
16 per cent growth rate. It has jumped to INR 190,693.9 million in 2011-12 with an annual
growth rate of 471 per cent (AYUSH, 2013).
and import of essential oils and

resinoids, perfumery, cosmetic
or toiletries for the year 2012-13
was worth about US $ 1,529.84
million and 573.02 million,
respectively (http://commerce.
nic.in/eidb/ecom.asp).
Over
8,500 species of ethno-botanical
interest have been recorded.
Besides this, over 1100 species
are reported to have odoriferous
principles and provide enough
opportunity to search new source
of drugs and aroma chemicals. The Indian Systems of Medicine have identified 1500 medicinal
plants, of which 500 species are mostly used in the preparation of drugs. India also has unique
bio-geographical positions having all known types of Eco-systems ranging from coldest place, dry
cold desert to temperate, alpine and subtropical regions of north-west and trans-Himalayas; rain
forests with high rainfall; wet evergreen humid tropics of western ghats and arid and semi-arid
regions of peninsular India; dry desert conditions of Rajasthan and Gujarat to the tidal mangroves
ofSunder ban. Indias potential for medicinal plants is evident with the facts that medicinal plants
required for the preparation of 50 per cent of the drugs mentioned in British Pharmacopoeia are
reported to be present in Western Himalayan region alone. Further, this region caters to about 80
per cent of Ayurvedic, 46 per cent of Unani and 33 per cent of allopathic system of medicines and
contributes a major share to the economy of the rural farmers and tribals.

Distribution of medicinal plants in world

Country or
region
Total number of native

species in flora
No. of medicinal plant

species reported
% of medicinal
plants
Source
World
29700
52885
10
Schippmann et cl. 2002
India
17000
7500
44
Shiva 1996
Indian
Himalayas
8000
1748
22
Samant et. al. 1998
Distribution of medicinal plants in India

Geographic region
Estimated no. of medicinal plants
Trans Himalayas
700
Himalayan
2500
Desert
500
Semi-Arid
1000
Western Ghats
2000
Deccan Peninsula
3000
Gangetic Plain
1000
North east India
2000
Islands
1000
Coasts
500
60
Stakeholders of MAPs
Medicinal and aromatic plants sector is a diversified sector with multiple stakeholders from
collection/cultivation to end users/consumers. In between there are various players from input
suppliers to research organizations and private industries. Each stakeholder is having its own
interest at each level of involvement. The key stakeholders and their vested interest is given in
table below.
Key stake holders
Interest
Farmers/collectors
Maximum price, unlimited quantities
Manufactures
Low purchase prices, high quality
Traders and retailers
Low purchase price, high quality
Consumers
Low purchase price, high quality
As given the table farmers or collectors have interest to sale their produce at high rates to get maximum
benefit. They are also interested to sale the quantity whatever they have produced. Manufactures or
industry have vested interest to purchase the raw material at low price to get maximum benefit. They
are also interested to procure high quality material so that they sale it higher rates in good markets.
Similarly, the traders and local retailers are also interested to procure the raw material at low price and
of good quality. Consumers as the end user always interested in the raw drugs of low cost and good
quality. Thus, every stakeholder ha their specific interest to get maximum returns of their product or
services. This is the challenging situation to satisfy the interest of every stakeholder and needs strategic
research and developmental activities.
61
Scope of cultivation of MAPs in North East

The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants have great promises and offers the following
advantages:

MAPs in north east India

North eastern India have varied climatic conditions varying from tropical subtropical, temperate
and alpine zones which is rich in biodiversity of medicinal plants. The different states of North
east India are falling into different hill zones like Eastern Himalaya beginning from Sikkim to Lohit
district of Arunachal Pradesh, Naga hills covering the areas of Nagaland and Manipur states, Lusai
hills with Mizoram and Tripura states and Garo, Jayantiya and Khasi hills occupying the state of
Meghalaya. North eastern India provides the distribution of specific medicinal plants like Sikkim is
the richest source for Berginia ciliate, Cordicepssinensis, Hippophae species, Nardostachysjatamansi,
Picrorrhizakurrooa, Swertiachirayita; Arunachal Pradesh for Acoruscalamus, Aquillariaagallocha,
Berberisaristata, Cinnamomumtamala, C. zeylanica, Coptisteeta, Cordicepssinensis, Embeliaribes,
Paris polyphylla, Rubiacordifolia, Gynocordiaodorata, Illiciumgriffithii, Taxuswallichiana,
Valerianajatamansi; Nagaland and Manipur for Smilax glabra, Asparagus adscendens with less
occurrence of Rubiacordifolia, Taxuswallichiana, Thallictrumfoliolosumetc; Jayantiya hill of Meghalaya
comprises of wider distribution of Embeliaribes; Lusai hill covering the state of Mizoram and eastern
plains of Tripura comprises of Holorhenaantidysenterica, Mallotusphillippinensis, Saracaasoka, Smilax
glabra, Stephaniaglabra and Terminaliachebula. Plants belonging to Zingiberaceae like Curcuma
aromatica, C. caesia, C. zedoaria, Hedychiumcoronerium, H. spicatum and Phyllanthusamaras are
widely distributed in foot hills of Arunachal Pradesh and other north eastern states and adjoining
part of Assam(Shankar andRawat, 2010).Various cultivation practices have also been developed for
cultivation of Alstoniascholaris, Andrographispaniculata, Asparagus racemosus, Elaeocarpussphericus,
Mesuaferrea, Oroxylumindicum etc. in these regions.
Conservation of species and their habitats.

Can control/manipulate the content of bioactive compounds.
Production of uniform raw material of required quality and free from contaminants.
Long-term alternative to increase production of medicinal plants.
Spatio-temporal availability of high value medicinal plants.
Achieve goal of Health for all.
Follow the GAP and GCPs

The guidelines on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for cultivation of medicinal plants have been
developed by the experts on medicinal plants with the support of National Medicinal Plants Board,
Govt. of India. These are very useful documents and it is advisable that these guidelines should be
followed for cultivation of medicinal plants from sowing to harvest and post-harvest operations to
produce quality raw drugs and finished products of international standard.
Production of quality seed and planting material
Planting material plays an important role in the production of any crop. Inadequate availability
of quality planting material is one of the important deterring factors in development of a sound MAP
industry.Farmers do not have access to certified disease free material as a result of which production;
productivity and quality of the produce suffers. Much of the dependence is on the unregulated
and unmonitored private sector in most of the states. The seed producer should follow all required
practices and parameters for quality seed production. This includes genetic purity, physical purity,
seed germination and vigor, seed health and moisture, seed size, weight, sp. gravity and colour. The
seed marketing itself is a tricky and important area where all care, skill and wisdom are required
in dealing.ICAR, CSIR and Agricultural Universities have developed several varieties in these crops
which can be multiplied through seed chain system and supplied to the farmers.

Protected cultivation
Protected cultivation is the future of MAP crops for production of high quality produce for internal
and domestic markets. There are different types of protected structures being adopted for horticultural
crops based on the agro-climatic region and the availability of different inputswhich may be adopted
for MAPs. This is the challangingarea of research and development for the development of MAP sector
under changing climatic conditions and market forces.
Hydroponics and aeroponica
Hydro and aeroponics are relatively new concept in case of medicinal and aromatic plants,
however, these are future technologies to enhance the quality production. These technologies offer:
1) Clean raw material free of soil, soil-borne organisms, or adulteration from foreign plant species
contaminants.
2) Accelerated cultivation cycles due to increased rate of growth and maturation.
3) Potential for improved yield and phytochemical consistency due to uniform nutrient and water
availability, and reduced risk of diseases.
Cultivation through integrated approach

There are only few MAP spp.like opium poppy, isabgol, mentha, palmarosa whose cultivation
is undertaken as sole crop and is profitable. Even under such situation also, the farmers should
always use improved cultivation practices and should ensure the efficient use of monetary and
62
non-monetary inputs so that per unit cost of production is minimum. The R&D institutions have
already developed the improved production and processing technologies for these crops. On
the other hand under the situation of declining land and water resources, sole cropping of MAP
is no longer possible and unprofitable also. There is alternative to grow these crops as an intercrop, catch crop, border crop with agricultural and horticultural crops in an integrated manner.
The forestry sector has a vast potential of growing of MAP. The integrated cropping system
approach will always will be profitable and will also have low risk factor and the grower will
get an additional income from thesesystems.Integrated nutrient management (INM) for sustaining
the desired crop productivity through optimization of the benefits from all possible sources of
plant nutrients in an integrated manner, and integrated pest management (IPM) aims at judicious
use of cultural, biological, chemical, host plant resistance/tolerance, physical-mechanical control
and regulatory control methods should be employed in the cultivation of MAP and ensuring the
guidelines of GAP for high quality standardsand to minimize the risk of pesticide residues in fresh
and processed produce.
Mechanization
Non-availability of labour both skilled and unskilled is the main concern in agriculture sector
to make progress at the desired pace. This condition necessitates the role of mechanization and
automation of production and processing activities to bring about the required development and
minimize the cost. Need for mechanization starts with tools and machinery for filling of pots, digging
of soil, application of fertilizers, weeding, spray of chemicals, training and pruning, protected
cultivation, micro-irrigation, harvesting, washing, grading, sorting, packaging, processing, value
addition, new product development, etc.
63
Harvest Management
The MAP are used as raw materials where different plant parts (root, root bark, stem, stem bark,
leaf, flower, fruit, seed, and whole plant and the combination of any of the parts) are used as drug and
also the extracts and secondary metabolites are used in various formulations. Therefore, the quality
of the produce depends on the harvest at particular physiological stage of the plant. This optimum
stage of harvest may differ with spp. to spp.,and place to place depending on prevailing environment.
This is the stage where the biological yield and chemical content are optimum and this decides the
quality as well profitability of the crop. Therefore, it is essential to harvest the crop at optimum stage
of harvest. Post-harvest losses occur at each and every step of the supply chain. The losses at the farm
level occur due to improper harvesting methods, handling techniques and aggregation of the produce
and then in transportation. At the wholesale level the major losses occur due to rough handling
and inappropriate storage. Value additionwhich in simple terms denotes to make things valuable or
important in terms of economic gain, time and money saving in preparation, quantity and quality

Organic farming
Organic Farming is mainstreaming in the country faster than expected. The factors attracting
public and private attention include; increasing prospects of organic agribusiness trade because
of increasing demand for safe food and an approach to sustainable development of farming based
rural livelihoods in marginal areas and for small farmers. Organically produced MAP has vast
potential at national and international levels as consumers are more health conscious and prefer
natural products having zero pesticides and other contaminants. This aspect require much more
attention and policy interventions at present to catch the better market opportunities as 80% MAP
are collected from forest and counted as minor forest products.
improvement or modification of raw ingredients for specific desirable characteristics is also assuming
lot of importance. Though the production of MAP requires full care at each stage of production but the
post-harvest management, monitoring the shelf life and need based value addition is more crucial and
requires full attention. Removal of excess moisture from the produce through proper methods of sun
drying and shade drying is very essential. It is advisable to use the solar driers and other mechanical
driers as per the requirement of the produce to ensure the required moisture and colour the produce
and to fetch premium prices.
Marketing of medicinal plants

Agriculture market scenario in India:
Indian agricultural marketing system is not satisfactory and needs comprehensive infrastructural
developments. According to National Farmers Commission, 2004 the present market scenario is
given below;
7,157 (March 2010) 286 (1950)
Regulated agricultural markets
Rural periodical markets
22,221
Average area served by a market
115 sq km
Average area served by a regulated market
454 sq km
Availability of markets should be within a radius
5 km

Major markets of medicinal plants in India

State
Major market
Medium market
Minor market
Delhi
Delhi
J&K
Baramulla
Jamu
HP
Bilaspur
Bihar
Patna, Raksal
Jharkhand
Ranchi
UP
Lucknow, Kanpur
Varanasai, Saharanpur, Barabanki,

Muzaffarnagar
Uttaranchal
Dehradun
Hardwar
Haryana
Ambala
Punjab
Amritsar
Hoshiarpur, Chandigarh
MP
Shivpuri, Dhamtari,
Neemuch, Katni
Indore, Dewas
Chhatisgarh
Raipur
Rajasthan
Jaipur, Ajmer
AP
Hyderabad
Visakhapatnam, Kakinada
Karnataka
Bangaluru
Mysore, Bijapur
Kerala
Thrissur
Thiruvananthapuram, Palghat, Ernakulam
TN
Chennai
Madurai,
Virudhnagar,
Tuticorin
Dharmapuri, Pudukottai
Assam
Kokrajhar, Barpeta road, Dibrugarh, Guwahati
Odisha
Bhubaneswar
Meghalaya &orther
NEHR
Shillong
64
West Bengal
Calcutta
Siliguri
Serampur
Gujarat
Sidhpur, Unjha,
Ahmedabad
Palanpur, Mehsana
Maharashtra
Mumbai
Nagpur
Ratnagiri, Vashi, Pune
Total
21
37
None of these markets have any formal business, nor any authority to regulate the trade at any point
MAP marketing: Constraints

Markets and marketing of medicinal plants is facing several constraints among few are as given;
Market of MAPs is very erratic, secretive, traditional, unregulated and shows wide disparity in
their market values
Monopolized by few wholesale dealers
Supply chain is very large and fragmented
Largely depends on middlemen
Improper share of benefits
Large variation in margins
Poor quality
Lack of marketing infrastructure
Lack of marketing informations; product, price and destination
65
Supply chain of medicinal plants

Unfortunately, there is no regulated market to control the various marketing practices involved
in the entire supply chain of MAP. The trade in medicinal plants in India as being extremely
complex, secretive, traditional, and unregulated. No reliable system of matching trade names to
botanical names. In the trade, a species is known by its local name, which can change from one
market to another or from one region to another. The industry may have buy back arrangements
with growers to purchase the required quantity and quality produce. MAPs growers receive only
a small part of price paid by the consumers as lions share is being taken by chain of middlemen.
The high profit margin of intermediaries is quite disproportionate to their services. The R&D
organizations should provide the technologies and trainings to the growers at one hand and on

Need for reform in marketing of MAPs:

Empower producers with knowledge, information & capability to undertake market-driven
production
Provide multiple choice and competitive marketing channels
Attract large scale investments needed for building post-harvest infrastructure
Linking small farmers to the market
Address risks faced and help to reduce them
Provide alternative marketing models for MAP
Medicinal Plants should be treated as Agricultural Produce; cultivators will get exempted from
Income Tax and traders will get exempted from Sales Tax/VAT
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Medicinal Plants; save farmers and collectors from the
exploitation by middlemen
Introduction of unique product codes (HS Codes) for all the MAPs to support export/import
Strengthen Infrastructure warehouses and cold storages facilities
another hand assured supply of raw material to the industries with assured buy back at pre-decided
prices. There is a necessity to integrate farm production with national and international markets
to enable farmers to undertake market driven production plan and adoption of modern marketing
practices. Varying models of alternative marketing mechanism can be used for effective marketing
system in medicinal and aromatic plants.
Alternative 3-P model of supply chain

In the present scenario farming is becoming more and more competitive in entrepreneurial
mode, to maintain income levels of small farm families across the country, need to become more
inventive, diversified, and remunerative. This needs a virtual transformation of the agriculture
and rural economy towards higher value-added production by adding high value medicinal and
aromatic crops in the system as a whole. Production of medicinal and aromatic plants ensuring
quality standards will certainly fulfil the goal of Health for all and household health and livelihood
security.
References
AYUSH. 2013. Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of
India official web-site: (http://indianmedicine.nic.in/index2.asp?slid=743andsublinkid=321
andlang=1).
Planning Commission. 2000. Report of the Task Force on Conservation and Sustainable use of
Medicinal Plants, Govt. of India. 175 p.
Shankar, R. and RawatM.S. 2010.Biodiversity of medicinal plants in north east India: their
systematic utilisation. OAJMAP 1 (2).
Ved, D.K. and Goraya, G.S. 2008.Demand and Supply of Medicinal Plants in India. Bishen
Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Derha Dun and FRLHT, Bnagalore, India.Pp. 216.
66
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPING AYURVEDA,

UNANI AND MEDICINAL PLANTS EXTRACT INDUSTRY
IN MANIPUR
Bala Prasad
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
Forest Department
Manipur, India
balaprasad1983@hotmail.com
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. There is resurgence of use of traditional medicine across the globe. According to an estimate
the global market of traditional therapy was $60,000 millions in 2002 and is growing steadily.
Further, global market for medicinal herbs and herbal products was estimated to touch US$ 5 trillion
by 2050. Among traditional medicines, Indian Systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, Yoga
and Unani are the most developed and getting global acceptance. In Yoga no drug is used. Most of
the traditional systems of medicine are heavily dependent on medicinal plants for their drugs and
therapies. The accelerated growth of traditional medicine is giving boost to the demand of medicinal
plants. Moreover, the trend of accelerated rate of growth in demand is likely to continue in future.
1.2. Though medicinal plants extracts have been used from long time, the extract industry has
changed drastically in last decade. It is the fastest growing segment and got further legal legitimacy
in India after notification of regulation in 2010 under Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 regarding safety
requirements. The extracts are now being used extensively in Ayurveda and Unani industry as they
have increased shelf life, availability round the year and standardisation. Increasing export and
domestic market are making Ayurveda, Unani and medicinal plants extract sector as sun rise sector.
2. Ayurveda, Unani and Medicinal Plants Extract Sector
2.1 Status of Ayurveda and Unani in different countries
67
2.1.2 The Ministry of AYUSH has taken effective steps by concluding Memorandum of
Understandings (MoUs) with the Government of Malaysia; the Ministry of Health of the Government
of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago; Government of Hungary; the Government of Bangladesh and
Government of Nepal for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine. Further, the Department of

2.1.1 Because of strength of Ayurveda, Unani and medicinal plants sector of India and efforts
of Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India and other stake holders there is growing global acceptance of
Ayurveda, Unani and medicinal plants extracts from India. The sector is registering very high growth
in domestic and international market. The Ministry is implementing its International Cooperation
Scheme which provides exchange of experts & officers, incentive to drug manufacturers, entrepreneurs,
AYUSH institutions etc. for propagation of AYUSH in different countries, support for international
market development and AYUSH promotion-related, activities, translation and publication of AYUSH
books in foreign languages, Establishment of AYUSH information Cells in Indian Embassies/Missions
and in the Cultural Centres set up by ICCR in foreign countries, and Fellowship Programme for foreign
nationals for undertaking AYUSH courses in premier institutions in India.
AYUSH has set up Ayurveda Chairs at University of West Indies in Trinidad & Tobago and University
of Debrecen in Hungary and Unani chair in University of University of Western Cape (UWC), South
Africa. Information Cells for disseminating authentic information on AYUSH have been set up under
the aegis of the Indian Missions/Cultural Centers at Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Indonesia
(Bali & Jakarta), Mauritius, Cuba, Russia, Hungary and Slovenia.
2.1.3 Ayurveda is legally recognized in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
Government of India offers 70 scholarship per year to foreign students for studying AYUSH in Indian
institutions. Further, Govt. of India offered seats for students of South East Asian region countries of
WHO under the AYUSH Scholarship scheme from Homoeopathy for all 10 SEA countries in National
Institutes. In addition 3 seats in MD (Ayurveda), 1 seat in PhD (Ayurveda), 2 seats in MD (Unani) and
2 seats in MD (Homoeopathy) reserved on rotation basis for SEA countries to provide opportunities to
the students from these countries for higher education in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy.
2.1.4 The status of practice of Ayurveda in different countries has been described schematically in
Table 1.

Table 1: Status of practice of Ayurveda in different countries

Sl. No.
Region
Legally Practised
Practised as Massage / food supplement / supervision
i.
ASEAN
Malaysia
Indonesia,Thailand, Singapore
ii.
Middle East
UAE
Saudi Arabia
iii.
Africa
Mauritius, South Africa
Rest of Africa
iv.
Central Europe
Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia/ Austria
v.
Western Europe
Germany, UK
vi.
Eastern Europe
Russia
Armenia
vii.
North America
USA ( 14 states ) Canada
Rest of USA, Brazil, Argentina
viii.
South America
Argentina/Brazil/
ix.
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand
2.1.5 Unani system of medicine is a legally recognized system of medicine in Bangladesh,

Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and South Africa. Practice of Unani is permitted in UAE
under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) health regulation. In some countries like Iran, Egypt and
Kuwait, Unani medicine is practiced as Tibb-e Sunnati, Islamic medicine or Arab medicine. Unani
products are being exported as medicine in South East Asian countries and as food supplements
to countries like USA, Hungary, Russia, Germany etc.
2.2 Growth of Export of Ayurvedic, Unani and medicinal plants extract products
2.2.1 The export of Ayurvedic, Unani and medicinal plants extract products has been steadily
increasing. According to information made available by the Directorate General of Commercial
Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) and compiled by Pharmexcil, Indias export of conventional
medicinal raw herbs, medicaments and extracts grew from Rs. 551.74 crore worth in 2005-06 to
Rs. 2167.57 crore, i.e., increase of 293% in seven years. The conventional exports of AYUSH has
registered average annual growth of 41.89 % whereas its components raw herbs, medicaments
and Extracts have registered average annual growth of 36.2%, 36.6% and 104.1% respectively.
68
Table 2: TRADE STATISTICS OF AYUSH PRODUCTS (2006-14) (In Rs. Crore)

201314
Avg.
Annual
Growth
Sl.
No
EXPORT ITEM
200506
200607
200708
200809
200910
201011
201112
201213
RAW HERBS
282.0
343.4
448.3
570.2
507.4
512.6
752.9
1077.9 1098.4
36.2
MEDICAMENTS
248.5
281.3
346.6
591.4
701.4
715.5
873.8
889.9
976.8
36.6
EXTRACTS
20.6
31.3
27.2
32.7
70.6
51.7
103.8
199.7
192.4
104.1
656.0
822.1 1194.4 1279.4 1279.8 1730.4 2167.6 2267.5
38.9
NET TOTAL
551.2
Source: DGCIS data compiled by Pharmexcil
2.2.2 According to data from United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database, compiled
by Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), during the year 2011, exports
from India attained the first position by exporting medicinal herbs/ extracts/ medicaments/resins/
gums worth 6.7444 bn USD against global export of 14.8771 bn USD as the export of 173
countries in 2012. Indias position in global imports is 17th in the year 2011, indicating a good
degree of self-sufficiency and realization of Indias export potential in this sector.
Rank
Table 3. Exports of medicinal plants, gums, resins etc all countries (Values in US$ million)
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
Country
India
348.6
480.5
485.7
2012
501.6
612.6
467.4
790.6
2437.4
6744.4
1042.1
1329.7
1787.1
1911.0
China
371.5
437.4
522.4
675.5
944.6
USA
481.8
483.8
522.9
587.5
639.8
705.6
787.2
853.0
995.4
Germany
450.9
495.1
529.1
617.3
860.2
720.2
756.7
846.6
793.7
Spain
214.4
248.5
260.3
260.7
285.7
242.1
273.1
307.7
364.5
France
283.0
261.4
263.1
276.6
300.6
284.6
296.3
335.2
334.3
Egypt
25.8
26.4
33.3
34.2
125.3
273.6
303.6
340.7
254.8
Canada
85.7
101.6
123.8
129.8
108.8
129.6
170.3
151.0
250.5
175.1
203.3
250.1
Italy
165.7
179.8
183.2
162.7
192.1
167.0
10
Brazil
98.5
109.6
116.0
131.6
154.4
126.7
159.7
222.3
228.7
2824.0 3039.9 3377.5
4224.3
4158.7
5042.5
7484.2
12127.5
Remaining 163 countries
2002.8
2134.6 2323.8 2352.1
2646.3
2409.1
2557.4
2728.4
2759.6
Grand Total 173

countries
4528.6
4958.7 5363.7 5729.5
6870.5
6567.8
7599.9
10212.5 14887.1
Source:- UNCTAD compiled by Pharmexcil
69
2525.9

Total 10 countries
3. Potential of Medicinal Plants Sector in Manipur

3.1 As shown in map 1 all major forest types of India viz. Tropical West Evergreen Forest,
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, Sub-tropical Pine Forest, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest and
Montane Wet Temperate Forest, found in India are also available in Manipur. These forests are
home of very wide range of flora and fauna. They have plants from the Himalayas to Malaya on
the one hand and China on the other. These forests are repository of large number of medicinal
plants. Many medicinal plants are also collected from the vegetation found, in Loktak lake and
agricultural field. More than 1200 medicinal plants (out of total approximately 6500 in India),
including 430 species with local traditional medicinal uses have been listed in Manipur. Many
medicinal plants are locally used as vegetables and fruits. Further, there are many scientific
organizations e.g. Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal; NorthEast Institute of Science and Technology, (formerly Regional Research Laboratory : Jorhat, a unit of
CSIR) Substation Imphal; Central Agricultural University, Imphal etc. capable to contribute in the
research and technical works in medicinal plants sector. The climatic and edaphic conditions in
Manipur are most suitable for cultivation and natural regeneration of varieties of medicinal plants.
In Manipur all plants except those found in desert, alpine, sub-alpine, marine and mangrove can
be produced. Even alpine and sub-alpine zone can be easily obtained from Arunachal Pradesh.
Moreover, there exists strong traditional medicinal knowledge, based on medicinal plants, which
may provide excellent opportunity for bio-prospecting.

Map 1 Comparison of various forest types found in Manipur and the other parts
of the India
70
3.2 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Bay of Bengal initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries have geographical contiguity
and strong traditional linkages. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are members of ASEAN where as Bangladesh,
India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members of BIMSTEC. Manipur can
get raw material at comparatively low price, approximately at the half price of the same in major
Mandis in the country. These medicinal plants available are purely organic in nature and they
are free from contaminants. There is no legal hurdle in collection of medicinal plants in Manipur.
Moreover, the royalty has also been kept very low. The industries established in Manipur would
be able to get raw material approximately at the half price of similar industries in other parts of the
country. Further, they can easily market their products in whole Manipur, Nagaland, Assam,
Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura because of road connectivity. Besides,
products may be easily exported to Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand and other BIMSTEC and
ASEAN countries, China etc.
4. Strategic Framework for Developing Ayurveda, Unani and Medicinal Plants Extract Industry
in Manipur
In spite of very high potential, the medicinal plants sector could not be tapped to its potentiality
in Manipur till date. For tapping the sector to its full potential, multi-pronged integrated measures
in strategic framework are to be undertaken by the policy makers, manufacturers, forest resources
managers, collectors of forest produce, cultivators and other stakeholders. Important measures are
being outlined in succeeding sub-sections.
71
4.2 MEDICINAL PLANTS BASED SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS

Approximately 20 species depending upon forest sub-types may be identified for every village
/ JFMC so that 4-6 species can be harvested in every season. As shown in Map1 there are five
Forest Types of Manipur viz. Tropical West Evergreen Forest, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests,

4.1 ORGANISING COLLECTORS, CULTIVATORS AND MANUFACTURERS

There is need to organize Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMC), Self Help Groups,
collectors, cultivators manufacturers in the business of sustainably collecting, growing and
marketing of medicinal plants. There is need to provide market intelligence for entering supply
chains in any meaningful ways, ability to negotiate for prices, technical inputs relating to
agronomy, pre and post harvesting techniques, access to business service providers and financial
inputs. But the key to success is the linkages to make all these easily available and accessible to
the small collectors and cultivators. The National Medicinal Board is willing to provide assistance
to different agencies in the field and is already engaged in supporting agencies working for the
welfare and development of medicinal plant cultivators and manufacturers. There is need to
organize the collectors and cultivators of medicinal plants in the form of cooperatives, like
the JFMC, Self Help Groups etc. for collection, cultivation, primary processing and marketing
of medicinal plants and their products Such organized approach has been attempted in some
states e.g. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand in India. The task can be taken up for select
clusters of collectors and cultivators for a few chosen species and the results are bound to flow.
There should be consistent effort for establishing complete marketing chain from village to State
level with at least one Medicinal Plants processing zone / AYUSH industry cluster in the State and
reorientation of business operation for ensuring direct benefits to flow to collectors / farmers
Sub-tropical Pine Forest, Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest and Montane Wet Temperate Forest.
For every forest type approximately 20 species can be identified on the basis of their technical
feasibility and demand. Depending upon the status of forests the medicinal plants based livelihood
system could be augmented by other NTFP, fuelwood, fodder and timber products. Establishing
primary processing centre in selected villages is a necessity to support the collectors and farmers.
All out effort should be made to establish Medicinal plants development area (MPDA)/NTFP or
NTFP Development area /cultivation cluster in selected villages.
4.3 SUSTAINABLE COLLECTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS
Many species suffer due to destructive harvesting because of the demand of their root and
stem. Increasing demand, lack of awareness and training to collectors are also reasons behind
large scale damage to plants in collection. There is need to develop sustainable harvesting regime
for each species, create awareness and impart training to collectors and regulate collection on an
urgent basis. They may also be involved in forward and backward linkages. JFMCs may be made
pro-active for sustainable management of forests and collection of medicinal plants products.
Incorporation of Medicinal Plants based livelihood opportunities in Forest Management Plan and
creation of empowering and enabling environment are critically important for the development of
the sector. Sustainable collection of medicinal plants and needed resource augmentation should
be integral part of Working Plan prescripyion.

4.4 CLUSTER APPROACH

It has been seen that the cluster approach has been successful particularly for those industries
where optimization may be achieved through sharing of common facilities and joint endeavour to
cut costs and enhance profitability. In medicinal plants sector also there has been growth in natural
and induced cluster both for cultivation/ collection and processing cluster. The cluster may provide
economic viability in cultivation, collection, quality planting material through modern nursery,
marketing support for cultivators and collectors, processing, packaging, testing and certification
facilities etc. Some places cluster of JFMCs and farmers have brought comparative advantage and
economic viability. Therefore, there is need to create awareness about economic necessity and
advantage of development of medicinal plants processing zone along with manufacturing clusters
of traditional medicine.
4.5 DOVETAILING MEDICINAL PLANTS SECTOR WITH RURAL DEVELOPMENT
In recent years the potentiality of medicinal plants for rural development has been getting better
appreciation. Medicinal plants sector can provide sustainable livelihood systems in cultivation,
collection, processing etc. There is need for conscious strategy for dovetailing and convergence
of rural development scheme with medicinal plants sector for creation of sustainable livelihood
systems.
4.6 MARKETING SUPPORT
There is need to provide comprehensive marketing support systems to farmer and collectors.
Marketing support in terms of market intelligence, support price, upgradation, modernization and
establishment of mandis, buyer and seller meets, Web based price information mechanism etc
need to be considered depending on necessity in different areas. Marketing support package
needs to be developed for identified set of species. Marketing support would be critical for
bringing in small cultivators for linking in small cultivators in rural area to the buyers in bigger
72
market. In other words, intermediaries and service providers would have to be associated and
their capacity and responsible behavior would have to be built up to provide necessary linkages
to the small players, both collectors and cultivators. Traditional growers of medicinal plants by
and large do not use chemical and pesticide. The medicinal plants products, collected from wild
are pure organic. An aggressive program of getting them on organic labeling would help in value
addition for small growers and collectors.
4.7 CAPACITY BUILDING
Capacity building of collectors, cultivators, processors and marketing personnel is critically
important because this sector has largely remained disorganized and industry is dominated by
small scale enterprises. The training for collectors and cultivators in good agricultural and field
collection practices including primary processing needs to be arranged. Further, since certification
adds to the value and helps in getting premium prices, farmers and collectors may be provided
with certification support. Moreover, financial support, including micro - credit with minimum
interest rate and service charge needs to be provided. Capacity building is also important for
access and benefit sharing of traditional knowledge so that poor practitioners or community get
their due.
4.8 PROVIDING TECHNICAL AND RESEARCH SUPPORT
Active ingredients in medicinal plant comes from secondary metabolism. Their proportion
varies widely in cultivation in different environment. Research institutions, farmers and industry
need to work together to develop high yielding variety/clones along with high proportion of active
ingredients, duly assessed by phyto-chemical analysis. Further, comprehensive bio-prospecting is
also need of the hour. State of art research for standardisation, phyto-chemical analysis, substitutes,
cultivation techniques etc should be undertaken. Supply of quality planting material to farmers
and support for resource augmentation in forest area should be ensured. Further, Support for
Testing Facilities should be provided to farmers and collectors.
73
REFERENCES
Bhalla, Pankaj.1997. Collection Patterns and Marketing Status of Important Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants in Himachal Pradesh, M. Sc. Thesis, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture
and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India.

5. Conclusion
The long term process of global acceptance of traditional systems of medicine has been
initiated with remarkable success in the last decade. The global acceptance and accelerated
domestic growth of Ayurveda, Unani and medicinal plants extracts will go a long way in boosting
medicinal plants sector in ASEAN and BIMSTEC countries. This is high time that Manipur take
effective measures for development of these industries. The adoption of market oriented strategy
formulation and implementation of comprehensive action plans incorporating measures, outlined
in preceding sections and subsequent industrialization along with network of in-situ and ex-situ
Conservation Centres shall go long way in creating enormous viable employment opportunities
in the State. Hopefully the medicinal plants sector in Manipur would get much needed boost
and be developed to its potentiality to create large scale livelihood systems and maintain them
sustainably.
Centre For Research, Planning and Action (CERPA). 2001-02. Demand Study for Selected
medicinal plants, CERPA, New Delhi.
Government of India (GoI). 2000. Report of the Task Force on Conservation & Sustainable use
of Medicinal Plants, Planning Commission, Government of India, New Delhi.
Khanuja, Suman PS. 2003. Medicinal and Aromatic Plans as Bio-resource: Scope and
Opportunities, Proceeding of First National Interactive Meet on Medicinal & Aromatic Plants,
Central Institute of Medicinal Plants, Lucknow, India.
McAlpine, Thorpe and Warrier. 1997. Integrated Marketing Programme for Indian Herbal
Medical Manufacturers, McAlpine, Thorpe and Warrier Limited, London.
Negi, Y.S. and Bhalla, Pankaj.2002. Collection and Marketing of Important Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants in tribal Areas of Himachal Pradesh, Indian Forester, 128 (6): 2002.
ORG-MARG. 2002. Draft Report, Survey on the Herbal Products Market in the United States,
ORG-MARG Research Ltd., Co-ordination Committee Export Survey.
Das, Anita and Prasad, Bala. 2008. Medicinal Plants for Economic Livelihood, International
Conclave on Medicinal Plants for ASEAN and BIMSTEC Countries, Organised by Forest Department,
Govt. of Manipur.
Technology Export Development Organization (TEDO). 2001. Indian Systems of Medicine &
Homoeopathy, Export Opportunities, TEDO, New Delhi.
Tiwari, K. P. 1995. Collection of Aonla (Emblica officinalis) fruits from forest An Impact
Assessment, Vaniki Sandesh, Vol. XIX, No. 4.
Ved, D. K. and Goraya, G. S. 2007. Demand and Supply of Medicinal Plants in India, National
Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi and Foundation for Rehabilitation of Local Health Traditions
(FRLHT), Bangalore.

World Health Organization (WHO). 2003. WHO guidelines on Good Agricultural and Field
Collection Practices (GACP) for medicinal plants, WHO, Geneva.
74
Policy Framework on Protection of Traditional

Knowledge and Access and Benefit Sharing- An
analysis
Dr. Ghazala Javed, Scientist-IV, IC-Section, Ministry of AYUSH
javed.ghazal@gmail.com; javed_ghazal@yahoo.com
Traditional Knowledge may be considered as knowledge, know how, skills, innovations or
practices that are passed between generations in a traditional context and that form part of the
traditional lifestyle of indigenous and local communities who act as their guardian or custodian. It
can be, for example, agricultural, environmental or medicinal knowledge. 1
WHO defines Traditional medicine is the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices
based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable
or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or
treatment of physical and mental illness. 2
The rise of modern information technologies has led to an increasing awareness of the value of
traditional knowledge, including in particular traditional medicine. At a time when the wealth of
nations lies increasingly in the knowledge which their peoples hold, the use of intellectual property
rights related to traditional knowledge has become an important issue. While the debate is an
ongoing process, there is a lot of concern and controversy, but also considerable confusion. This is
partly due to the fact that there is no common terminology, and that the concepts and expectations
of different stakeholders vary. 3
Indian Traditional System of Medicine:-
Protection is therefore different from preservation or safeguarding, which are the

identification, documentation, transmission, revitalization and promotion of cultural heritage in
order to ensure its maintenance or viability. The objective, in that case, is to make sure that
the TK do not disappear and are maintained and promoted. Protection, preservation and
75
What does the Protection of Traditional Knowledge mean?

Protection of TK in the IP sense may mean the protection of TK against their misuse or
misappropriation, such as their copying, adaptation or use by unauthorized third parties. The
objective of protection, in short, is to make sure that the intellectual innovation and creativity
embodied in TK are not wrongly used. IP protection can mean recognizing and exercising exclusive
rights, i.e., excluding others from making certain uses of TK. IP protection can also include nonproprietary forms of protection like moral rights, equitable compensation schemes and protection
against unfair competition.

Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy are the
recognised systems of India. These systems are available in well-developed and codified form. Apart
from this there is large heritage of folklore medicine of different tribes/ individuals / communities.
safeguarding are not mutually exclusive. Having different objectives, they may be implemented
in conjunction with one another and help promote each other, for example, through documentation
or inventory-making. 4
Protection of Traditional Medicinal KnowledgeTraditional Medicinal Knowledge is an inherent part of any community/ group of individuals/
Country. Systems of traditional medicine are rich and diverse sources of creativity and innovation.
Practitioners of traditional medicine and other stakeholders consider such knowledge systems to
be a constantly renewed source of wealth, both as an economic asset and as cultural patrimony.
This is the case in both developing and developed countries.
The intellectual property issues related to traditional knowledge cut across the conventional
branches of intellectual property law, such as copyright and industrial property, since in many
cases practitioners of traditional medicine do not separate artistic from useful aspects of their
know-how and intellectual creations.
Numerous indigenous and local communities have protocols for protection of traditional
medicine under customary law. Increasingly, we are witnessing a convergence between the
formal intellectual property system, on the one hand, and informal systems for protection of
traditional knowledge, on the other. These systems have been integral and effective within their
spheres and have, until recently, existed in virtual independence of each other. Their convergence
results from two consequences of current globalization processes, namely, the growing relevance
of intellectual property to an increasing number of countries and users, and the expanding
recognition that traditional medicinal know how is a valuable economic and cultural asset within
the global information society.

However, many legal and practical problems remain yet to be fully understood and addressed:
the collective ownership/custodianship of traditional medicine; the problem of ownership and
exercise of rights in traditional medicinal knowledge which exists across different countries in a
region; practical means for the exercise and management of rights; mechanisms for application of
customary law to protect traditional medicine; and the need for comprehensive documentation,
and documentation standards, for traditional medicine.
In order to achieve better understanding and wider consensus on these issues it is necessary
to address basic conceptual problems and test practical solutions to the protection of traditional
medicine. 5
While the policy issues concerning TK are broad and diverse, the IP issues break down into
two key themes:
i. Defensive protection that refers to a set of strategies to ensure that third parties do not gain
illegitimate or unfounded IP rights over TK. These measures include the amendment of WIPOadministered patent systems (the International Patent Classification system and the Patent
Cooperation Treaty Minimum Documentation). Some countries and communities are also
developing TK databases that may be used as evidence of prior art to defeat a claim to a patent
on such TK. WIPO has developed a toolkit to provide practical assistance to TK holders on
documenting TK.
ii. Positive protection, there are two aspects of positive protection of TK which are being explored
by IP rights: Preventing unauthorized use, and active exploitation of TK by the originating
community itself.
76
Forms of Traditional Knowledge

Traditional Knowledge exists in different forms; It may be produced by individuals, by groups
of individuals or by local or indigenous communities. Some of this knowledge may be kept
confidential to the originator(s) and their descendants and may be accessed only with restrictions;
some may be disseminated locally, but may, nonetheless, be restricted in scope or in terms of
accessibility; and some of this knowledge may be shared widely within a community and with
outsiders, so that the knowledge becomes publicly available. 7
In short there are three overlapping domains of TK; restricted to individual; restricted to some
communities, for e.g. tribal knowledge and widely spread amongst many communities for e.g.
Traditional Indian System of Medicine
WIPO Secretariat prepared a document WIPO/GRTKF/IC/17/INF/9 giving list and brief technical
explanation of various forms in which traditional knowledge may be found i.e
Unfixed TK and fixed TK, to which are related:
(a) documented TK and non-documented TK and
(b) codified TK and non-codified TK;
Disclosed TK and non-disclosed TK, to which are related:
(a) TK directly controlled by indigenous and local communities and TK on longer in the control
of indigenous and local communities.
(b) TK held by indigenous and local communities;
- sacred TK and secular TK;
- TK as such and TK-based innovations and creations;
- indigenous knowledge and traditional knowledge;
- individual TK and collective TK; and,
- commercialized TK and non-commercialized TK. 8
A. Current Provisions in Indian Patent Act for Protection of TK:Indian law has certain provisions for the protection of TK and Biological Resources. Traditional
knowledge, by its very definition, is in the public domain and hence, any application for patent
relating to TK does not qualify as an invention under section 2 (1) (j) of the Patents Act, 1970, which
defines that "invention means a new product or process involving an inventive step and capable
77
Current National laws for Protection of Traditional Knowledge

Documentation:In the terms of conventional IP system documentation is advocated for protection of knowledge.
However, if documentation of TK means that it is more widely available to the general public, it
can increase the need for legal protection, particularly when wider availability is made possible
by means of the internet; documentation in the absence of adequate legal protection could mean
the originating community unwittingly loses control over its TK. There are concerns, therefore,
that documentation of TK could lead to misappropriation of TK, and use of it in ways that were
not anticipated and were not intended by the TK holders when they contributed their knowledge
to the documentation project. Documentation of TK might, therefore, undermine the IP interests
of affected indigenous and local communities;
of industrial application". Further, under section 3(e) of the Patents Act "a substance obtained by
a mere admixture resulting only in the aggregation of the properties of the components thereof
or process for producing such substances" is not an invention and hence, not patentable. The
Indian Patents Act also has a unique provision under Section 3 (p), wherein "an invention which,
in effect, is traditional knowledge or which is an aggregation or duplication of known properties
of traditionally known component or components" is not an invention and hence, not patentable,
within the meaning of the Patents Act. Additionally, sections 3 (b), (c), (d), (f), (h), (i) and (j) are of
relevance with respect to the patent applications related to TK and/or biological material. These
are reproduced below:-

3 (b) an invention the primary or intended use or commercial exploitation of which could be
contrary to public order or morality or which causes serious prejudice to human, animal or
plant life or health or to the environment;
3(c) the mere discovery of a scientific principle or the formulation of an abstract theory or
discovery of any living thing or non-living substance occurring in nature,
3(d) the mere discovery of a new form of a known substance which does not result in the
enhancement of the known efficacy of that substance or the mere discovery of any new
property or new use for a known substance or of the mere use of a known process, machine
or apparatus unless such known process results in a new product or employs at least one new
reactant.
3(f) the mere arrangement or re-arrangement or duplication of known devices each functioning
independently of one another in a known way;
3(h) a method of agriculture or horticulture;
3(i) any process for the medicinal, surgical, curative, prophylactic 1[diagnostic, therapeutic]
or other treatment of human beings or any process for a similar treatment of animal to render
them free of disease or to increase their economic value or that of their products.
3(j) plants and animals in whole or any part thereof other than micro-organisms but including
seeds, varieties and species and essentially biological processes for production or propagation
of plants and animals; 9
B. Laws to ensure access and benefit sharing:The Biodiversity Act has adequate provisions to ensure access and benefit sharing for biological
resources and knowledge associated thereto. Section 3 ensures that prior approval is obtained
from National Biodiversity authority by signing an ABS agreement. This covers obtainment of
any biological resource occurring in India or knowledge associated thereto for the purpose of
Research, Commercial Utilization, Bio-survey and Bio-utilization. Similarly, there are many other
sections in Biodiversity Act which consider associated traditional knowledge for ensuring access
and benefit sharing. 10
The issues yet to be solved at national and international level:As elaborated above, traditional knowledge is generally regarded by conventional intellectual
property (IP) systems as being in the public domain and therefore, free for anyone to use. Indigenous
peoples, local communities and many countries argue that this opens up traditional knowledge to
unwanted misappropriation and misuse. For example a traditional remedy could be appropriated
by a pharmaceutical company and the resulting invention patented by that company. Many
International organizations are deliberating to bring out a mechanism for protection for traditional
knowledge, which is yet to be solved.
78
A. WIPO:The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on

Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore is, in accordance
with its mandate, undertaking text-based negotiations with the objective of reaching agreement
on a text(s) of an international legal instrument(s), which will ensure the effective protection of
traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources (GRs).
In a major setback, the 2014 WIPO General Assembly did not make a decision on the work
program of the IGC for 2015. Therefore, the calendar of the provisional dates for the principal
committees and bodies of WIPO for 2015 does not include any IGC sessions. There are many the
cross-cutting elements contained within the texts of the three thematic areas of the IGCs work
- genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions. The cross-cutting
issues identified by the Chair are the meaning of traditional; the beneficiaries of protection, in
particular, the role of states or national entities; the nature of the rights, including the meanings
of misappropriation and misuse; and the treatment of publicly available and/or widely diffused
TK and TCEs. These issues are yet to reach any consensus. 11
79
Conclusion:A policy framework should keep into account that India has a heritage of variety of traditional
knowledge. Suggestions to develop a separate sui generis legislation are coming strongly from
different quarters. In a positive development, India is drafting National IPR Policy, which as of
now; adequately address issues related to traditional knowledge. A sui generis legislation would

B. CBD:i. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Adopted in 1992, it is the most comprehensive
international agreement on biodiversity. Its objectives are the conservation of biodiversity, the
sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from
the use of genetic resources. The CBD recognizes the rights of countries, through their national
governments, to regulate access to genetic resources. There are two basic principles for such
regulation i.e. any access or use of genetic resources must take place with the approval - or
prior informed consent - of the country providing the resources and the conditions for access
or use of genetic resources, including on how any resulting benefits would be shared, must be
agreed upon - access and benefit sharing must be based on mutually agreed terms. 12
ii. The Article 8(j) of CBD states that each contracting Party shall, as far as possible and as
appropriate; subject to national legislation, respect, preserve and maintain knowledge,
innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional
lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and promote
their wider application with the approval and involvement of the holders of such knowledge,
innovations and practices and encourage the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the
utilization of such knowledge innovations and practices. 13
iii. COP 10 decision X/41 on elements of sui generis systems for the protection of traditional
knowledge notes that sui generis systems for the protection of the knowledge, innovations
and practices of indigenous and local communities, should be developed taking into account
customary laws, practices and community protocols, as appropriate, with the effective
participation and approval and involvement of those communities; encourages Parties that
have not yet considered or developed sui generis systems for the protection of traditional
knowledge to take steps to do so, as appropriate;
take care of the unique nature of the traditional knowledge, which from Indias perspective has
immense economic and commercial value. The access and benefit sharing should take into
account different forms of traditional knowledge prevailing in the country and this should form
the major criteria to fix the monetary or non-monetary benefits. Once developed, it can become
the best example for other countries to follow.

References:1. www.wipo.int
2. http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/definitions/en/
3. http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh1459e/7.html
4. http://www.wipo.int/tk/en/resources/faqs.html
5. http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh1459e/7.html
6. www.wipo.int
7. WIPO-UNEP Study on the Role Of Intellectual Property Rights in the sharing of benefits
arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge jointly
produced by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) prepared by Professor Anil K. Gupta, Indian Institute of
Management, Ahmedabad, India.
8. WIPO/GRTKF/IC/17/INF/9
9. Indian Patent (Amendments) Act 2005. (www.ipindia.nic.in)
10. Biodiversity Act 2002 (nbaindia.org)
11. www.wipo.int
12. www.cbd.in
13. http://www.cbd.int/convention/articles/default.shtml?a=cbd-08
80

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National Workshop on

in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board,

Revenue/Forest & environment/

Shri. Bala Prasad

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force,

WORKSHOP ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:

1. Shri.Th.Mohendra Pratap Singh

ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION SUB-COMMITTEE:

1. Shri. L.Muhindro Singh, CF, WP & Research

PUBLICITY AND MEDIA SUB-COMMITTEE:

1. Shri.P.N.Prasad, APCCF, Wildlife

On 16-17 February, 2015

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board,

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Th. Devendra Singh

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

(Th. Debendra Singh)

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Principal Chief Conservator

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Papori Phukan Borpuzari &

Prospect of cultivation of Panax pseudoginseng

A.K. Phurailatpam & A.K. Pandey

Collection and Conservation of Medicinal and

P. Bhattacharjee, TFS, DCF, Research

Overview on medicinal plants sector in Tripura

Meenakshi Negi, CEO, NMPB,

Key issues facing the Medicinal Plants Sector

Shekhar Kumar Niraj &

How standard certification in trade of medicinal

Dr. Muhammed Majeed

Potential and prospects of medicinal plants in

Dr. R.C. Uniyal

Mainstreaming of Medicinal Plants Sector in

R.S. Jat & Jitendra Kumar

Potential and prospects of medicinal plants in

Strategic framework for developing ayurveda,

Dr. Ghazala Javed, Scientist-IV,

Policy framework on protection of traditional

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Medicinal and aromatic plants an underutilised

The land and habitat

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Geographical Area of the

Forest Area (Total)

Percentage Forest Cover

Sustainable Development of Medicinal Plants Sector

Assam valley Tropical wet evergreen forest

Upper Assam valley Tropical evergreen forest

Cachar tropical evergreen forest.

Wet bamboo brakes.

Pioneer Euphorbiaceous scrub.

Assam valley Semi-evergreen forest.

Sub Himalayan high alluvial Semi evergeen forest.

Eastern alluvial Secondary semi evergreen forest.

Sub Himalayan Secondary wet mixed forest.

Cachar Semi evergreen forest.

Moist bamboo brakes.

Secondary Moist bamboo brakes.